GRATITUDE helps to break the dream of unreality. It does so because it permeates human consciousness with selflessness and joyously acknowledges that God is All-in-all, that all real being is therefore like God, good, and that the qualities of good constitute the fullness and completeness of man. Gratitude, flowing from the understanding of these truths, is like the coming of the mist-dispelling sunlight; it dissolves even the shadows that would remain in obscure corners of thought, causing to vanish that which never was real or permanent, and revealing the true in clear light.
Gratitude enables us to give thanks even while the cloud above us seems black, while we still seem in the midst of tribulation, occupying the same confining position which may have become irksome, and not yet manifesting desired freedom and health. Gratitude knows; it is not deceived by sense testimony, for it sees beyond and above limitation, to eternal truths.
David had many severe and trying experiences, many testing times, yet he entertained and expressed thankfulness for the deliverance and healing which accompany the realization of Truth, and which lifted him above many difficulties. In one of the Psalms he wrote: "I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, . . . healed me ... turned for me my mourning into dancing: . . . put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. 0 Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
