The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.
Eric Hopper

 

Gratitude Is Preparation For Joy

 It’s easy to let life happen and react to the circumstances that unfold with the day. But a wiser way is to ‘set your sails’ for the course you want to chart. The world talks a lot about ‘mindset’ lately. It sounds like pop Psychology, but there is a spiritual principle that as believers we should adopt as part of our daily routine. In a word it’s gratitude. Giving thanks. Paying attention to the abundance of blessings physical and spiritual that pour into and over us every single day.

That’s the first step in experiencing joy. Capturing the reality of all we have already received. Reminding ourselves that God is good and kind and giving. All the time, every day. There is never a time when He isn’t good to us. Recognizing His goodness and counting His blessings is the first step in gratitude, but actually letting the thanks well up from the heart and make it’s way to our lips where our whispered thanks is spoken. We need to hear ourselves say it.

Gratitude in the Bible

There are hundreds, possibly thousands of verses about gratitude, giving thanks, in the Bible. Many of the Psalms are wholly devoted to the many ways we should be grateful to God for His blessings, protection and love. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is the classic New Testament text on gratitude.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything, in every situation that shows up on the doorstep of life, give thanks. That is specifically God’s will concerning us. Why? Because the act of giving thanks reminds us, grounds us in the truth that God is on the Throne, no matter what happens. Things are not out of control. We don’t know how something will turn out, but we know that God will guide, provide and bless.

My Own Gratitude Practice

I’ve tried Journals and Daily reminders, but sometimes I get blindsided just like everyone else.

So, how do I cope with a bummer day?
I’m a Christian so I often take it to God for a debriefing.
Sometimes a Bible verse helps put things in perspective.
Sometimes the icky feelings just have to die a slow death by starvation. I keep ignoring them and purposely focus on something more worthy of my attention. I keep cultivating gratitude and speaking my thanks to God until the icky feelings, doubts and anxiety give up and slink away. 🙃

I happened onto this little video by divine accident and it reminded me of the many things for which I should be thankful.

You may want to save it for a rainy day.

More on Gratitude

Here’s a wonderful post on Gratitude that highlights many quotes from Christian writers and scholars. Go through the list and pick a few that speak to you. Copy them on to brightly colored post-it notes and stick them on your bathroom mirror or the kitchen cabinet where you keep your coffee mugs. Seeing them first thing in the morning can help you ‘chart a course’ each day toward gratitude. 🙂🙌

https://bibleapologetics.org/why-your-attitude-should-always-be-one-of-gratitude/