Cultivating GratitudeSample

Day 8: Blessings of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude produces more gratitude in a freeing upward cycle. Gratefulness always not only lifts our spirits, but also the spirits of those around us. Gratefulness happens when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we are filled with His Spirit - and the fruit of the Spirit, according to Galatians 5:22, 23 is “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

When we look around us, we can be fearful and anxious, because sin and its effects are rampant in the world. But when we look up, choosing to live in the shelter of the Most High God (Psalm 91:1); and refuse to leave His presence, we have so much over which to rejoice! 

We pray you immerse yourself with gratitude for Our awesome triune God, Jesus’ amazing sacrifice for our sins, all of God’s authority over His beautiful Creation, the privilege of life and salvation, the precious gift of free will, our amazing bodies which are fearfully and wonderfully made, total release from fear, our families and friends who worship our almighty God, music and the ability to worship and praise, membership in a kingdom which cannot be shaken, and eternal life beyond our wildest imagination. 

Hallelujah, amen!

Now what? As we learn to live in the beauty and joy of gratitude, we can enhance our joy by continuing to pursue Jesus Christ, as Paul discussed in Philippians 3:7-14. Exploring God’s wonderful character in creation and in His Word is the most beautiful way to grow in joy, because the more we know Him, the more we will love Him.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15, 17.

Thank you for completing this plan, we hope you were encouraged to be more deliberate about offering gratitude to our awesome God. We invite you to learn more about who Jesus is and how He wants you to live by joining our Bible Basics course.