Longing for JoySample

Habits of Gratitude

Christianity can be summed up in one word: grace. The Greek root of grace is a verb meaning “I rejoice” or “I am glad.” This is the essence of our spiritual life. The apostle Paul emphasizes this when he writes “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). A life characterized by “prevailing joyfulness, constant prayerfulness, and consistent thankfulness” is attainable because grace births gratitude.

Paul envisions that when we rejoice, we affirm the goodness of creation, including ourselves and God. Prayer teaches us to converse with God and listen for his voice. When we give thanks, grace opens our eyes to see life and salvation as gifts. These three habits are inseparable; rejoicing leads to prayer, prayer leads to thanksgiving, and thanksgiving leads back to rejoicing—creating a cycle of gratitude that fosters joyfulness.

Yet, embracing these habits of gratitude can feel daunting, especially with Paul’s qualifiers: always, continually, and in all circumstances. While it might be feasible to rejoice sometimes or pray as needed, is it realistic to follow Paul’s directive without feeling inauthentic?

A command to rejoice may seem abrasive, like a mantra of toxic positivity. Our instinct might be to resist, arguing, “I don’t want to rejoice unless I feel joy, pray unless I feel a need, or give thanks unless I feel grateful.” However, consider this: What if it is possible to rejoice despite our feelings?

Paul doesn’t suggest that emotions solely dictate our actions. While they do influence us, our actions can also cultivate our emotions. Eugene Peterson reflects on the command to bless the Lord with lifted hands, noting that one can lift their arms regardless of their feelings. “You may not be able to command your heart,” he writes, “but you can command your arms.” Sometimes, choosing to rejoice can evoke a joy that was absent or serve as an act of resistance against despair.

God desires our joy. It is his will for us! This truth is central to the story of joy: we share in the very joy of God. While we will experience joylessness and may face challenges like depression or anxiety, none of us are excluded from the opportunity to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. By setting aside skepticism and stepping into these habits, we create an onramp to joy.