GratitudeUzorak

Attitude of Gratitude

We often believe that gratitude is a feeling, which it is. But gratitude is also a choice. Gratitude can be defined as being thankful or ready to show appreciation for someone or something. As believers, we don’t follow our feelings; we follow Jesus. With Jesus as our Lord, we submit our feelings to the Truth found in His character and in Scripture. In fact, our choices lead, and our feelings follow.

In Scripture, we can see that giving thanks is actually a command. It is God’s will for us to give thanks in all circumstances. We can see the word gratitude 157 times and thanks or thanksgiving 72 times throughout the Bible. We focus so much on gratitude and thankfulness around the season of Thanksgiving, but what about the rest of the year? Clearly, it is not something to be practiced only seasonally if we are to give thanks in all circumstances.

When we position our hearts in a posture of thankfulness as we start our days and as we enter into God’s presence, it allows us to keep our hope on God. When culture tells us to fix our eyes on what everyone else is doing so we can measure up, God tells us to fix our eyes on Him.

So, how do we practically practice gratitude? Find reasons to be thankful! Whether it’s for waking up today, having breath in your lungs, having a job that provides finances, or a roof over your head - no matter if it’s your ideal situation or not, there are things to be thankful for!

Before you ask God for anything, thank Him for what He has already given you. Challenge yourself over the next 5 days to find three things each day to be thankful for - to practice the attitude of gratitude.