GratitudeSample

Gratitude leads to joy

The Bible is pretty clear about what God has done throughout eternity for His creation. God created it; we broke it. Jesus fixed it, and when Jesus returns, we will see the full view of His restoration as we rejoice in God’s presence for the rest of eternity. Friends, we have much to be grateful for!

Yet, our sinful nature is broken, and it often seems easier to complain and moan and whine than to be grateful and positive. Living a life of gratitude is like a muscle – it needs to be worked, and it has so many benefits, not only to us individually but to the collective. We are created for community, and we not only benefit from contagious gratitude, but it’s also our responsibility to live like that. In fact, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 shows us there are three things that God considers to be His will for our lives: joy, prayer, and gratitude, and we’re to do all three all the time.

It might seem difficult to rejoice in your current circumstances, but there’s always a reason to rejoice in God. There’s always a reason to thank God for His unfailing love and for always hearing us, just as Jesus prayed (John 11:41-42).

Quick tip: Each of us expresses gratitude differently, and God knows best what works for you. It might be keeping a gratitude journal, writing a stressed/blessed list when things are feeling full, or simply sitting in God’s presence in silence. Let’s keep our eyes on Him – it’s the best way to be grateful.

Written by BREE BOND