With November just around the corner, my mind turns to gratitude and Thanksgiving. As I am hanging the blessed wreath on the front door, I start to search my own heart. Do I know I am blessed? Do I feel grateful for all God has provided this year? Do I see where God has stepped in and carried me through some trial? If I am honest, gratitude is not my first reaction, or maybe even my second or third. So this year, I want to lean in and search my own heart, and I want to encourage you to search your own heart in pursuit of gratitude.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion and practice that can bring many benefits to our lives. Expressing gratitude and cultivating it in ourselves has been linked to increased happiness, improved physical health, greater mental well-being, higher self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
What does the Bible say about gratitude?
The Bible mentions the word “gratitude” 157 times1. There are many examples of believers being grateful to God in all circumstances–even challenging ones. Here are some examples:
- Hannah: Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, and the other wife constantly taunted her because Hannah was barren. She cried out to God in prayer, and, because of her faith, God gave her a son, Samuel. Hannah responded with great thanksgiving, acknowledging that her son was from God. (1 Samuel 1:1–28)
- Paul: Paul became a humble, grateful person of God. He was beaten, shipwrecked, and thrown in prison for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus. But even still, he was grateful to God. (Philippians 4:11–12)
- The leper: Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when He met 10 people with leprosy. He miraculously healed all 10 lepers. However, only one of them returned, praised God, and thanked Him. (Luke 17:11–19)
It’s easy to be grateful when things are going well. But when challenges come our way, most of us tend to fall into negative thinking. But even in the midst of trials, we have much to thank God for. Gratitude is a positive response to experiencing God’s goodness and grace, which He has shown us through Jesus.
30 Days of Gratitude Challenge
Whenever you struggle to be grateful, the best solution is to go back to Scripture. Remind yourself that everything happens according to God’s will, and He will give you the peace and strength needed to push through. By His goodness and grace, we can be grateful for everything He’s doing in our lives.
A heart of gratitude is cultivated and trained over time. Join me for the next 30 days in a Gratitude Challenge. Below you will find 30 prompts to increase your awareness of God’s goodness and help you extend His grace in simple ways to others.
- Send a thank you note or text message to someone just because.
- Tell your child how much you appreciate them and why.
- Write a list of five things you are grateful for, including God’s presence in your life.
- Meditate on Colossians 3:16–17.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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 3:16–17
- Contact a family member or friend and share with them how much you appreciate them.
- Start your morning with three things you are grateful for.
- Intentionally focus on expressing gratitude for what you have, not what you don’t have.
- Write an online positive review for a small business or special service you recently experienced.
- Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.
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
- Cook an unexpected meal for a loved one or friend.
- Make a list of five ways you have seen God answer your prayers in the last month.
- Recognize one person you are grateful for and tell them why.
- Make a list of the “little things” you are grateful for in your spouse or children.
- Mediate on 1 Chronicles 16:34.
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!
1 Chronicles 16:34
- Think of something that brings you comfort, and thank God for providing comfort to you.
- Go for a long walk and meditate on the opportunities you are grateful for.
- Express gratitude for something you noticed today that encouraged you or brought a smile to your face.
- Have a coffee date with a friend who encourages you.
- Mediate on Psalm 118:24.
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
- Reflect on something that made you laugh today.
- Focus on a part of your job or daily responsibilities you are grateful for.
- Recall a childhood memory that you are grateful for.
- Notice a belonging you are grateful for, like an heirloom, a favorite journal, a gift from a friend, etc.
- Mediate on Hebrews 13:15.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.
Hebrews 13:15
- Recognize the kindness someone showed you today.
- Recall what made you smile today.
- Text a friend or family member who needs to be reminded of God’s love today.
- Recall an experience this month that impacted you and how you saw God in that.
- What changes have you seen in yourself this month?
- Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:1.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:1
Notes:
- χάριτι and other variations in Greek-gratitude – refers to the quality of showing appreciation and returning kindness.
