Grateful

In Psalm 104, it says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise." I love the scripture because it provides clear guidance on how to begin our day and approach God—with a heart filled with thanksgiving. Inspired by this verse, we wrote a song called "Grateful" because we wanted to challenge ourselves to shift our perspective.

It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, that we forget to be grateful for everything that God's given us. But what does it truly mean to live a grateful life?

I’ll never forget the day my mother came to me with news that shook our family to its core—she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, her second bout with the disease. It was devastating, but I watched her go through chemotherapy with unwavering faith and gratitude.

Throughout her journey, her focus remained steadfastly on Jesus. She radiated gratitude despite the immense challenge she faced. One of the most beautiful moments was when she rang the bell signifying the end of her chemo treatment. In that moment, the first words that left her lips were, "Thank you, Jesus." Her perspective remained one of gratitude even in the face of adversity.

We often underestimate it, but gratitude is a weapon. When we find ourselves frustrated or in the worst-case scenarios, we tend to forget to be grateful. But gratitude has the power to redirect our attention from our lack to God's supernatural provision and blessings. Personally, I've noticed that when frustration sets in, consciously focusing on what I'm grateful for helps combat that negativity.

What’s more is that Jesus actually delights in our gratitude. In Luke 17, we read about Jesus healing ten lepers, but only one returned to offer thanks. Jesus was quick to point out the absence of the other nine, emphasizing how much He values our gratefulness.

So, how do we make gratitude a lifestyle? Research actually shows that implementing something for 21 days turns it into a habit. One practice I love is journaling and reading my Bible while noting things I'm thankful for. I encourage you to try this: listen to the song "Grateful," take out your journal, notebook, or even your phone, and write down five things you're grateful for each day. I can guarantee that it will reshape your perspective and transform the way you approach your day.

Written by Brittany from Crossroads Music surrounding the song "Grateful"