“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20, ESV)
I’m convinced that a lot of the grumpiness in this world can be cured if people learn to live a life of gratitude. Not only will we enjoy being around each other more, but we will also improve our physical and mental health. We will sleep better, have lower blood pressure, and feel less stress. We will enjoy better relationships and will lead happier, more satisfied lives. Research even suggests that we will become less materialistic as we fill our lives with gratitude.
Have you ever considered the difference between gratitude and thankfulness? While similar, they are different.
- Thankfulness is usually tied to a specific thing, such as material benefits we receive. We are given a birthday gift, someone buys our lunch, or we receive a bonus at work. Thankfulness for such things gradually fades.
- Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for the good things we enjoy in life, things that give us long-term satisfaction. Gratitude changes our perspective on how we view life. It allows us to see even little things as abundance.
The apostle Paul did not use the word gratitude in Philippians 4:11-12, but I believe he modeled how to live a life of gratitude. He learned to be content in whatever circumstances he faced.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (ESV)
Paul could have become bitter, constantly complaining about the hardships he endured as a traveling evangelist. Or he could have developed a sense of entitlement, feeling that he deserved better things because of his many sacrifices to spread the gospel. We see none of this in his life. He was content when life was comfortable; he was content when it wasn’t. Gratitude and contentment seem to go hand in hand. It’s a lesson we would all do well to learn.
One way to focus on developing a spirit of gratitude is to keep a journal of the ways God has blessed and enriched your life. What victories has God given? What things challenged your faith or grew your faith? What prayers did the Lord answer?
Another easy way to start a gratitude list is to read Psalm 103. First, we find forgiveness of sin followed by healing, redemption, preservation, lovingkindness, mercy, satisfaction, justice, longsuffering, and much more. This psalm is rich with God’s generosity toward us.
You can also search out numerous other verses on gratitude. Here are just a few to help you get started.
- I’m grateful for God’s favor upon my life.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26, ESV)
- I’m grateful for God’s peace in my life.
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
- I’m grateful for my brothers and sisters in the Lord.
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16, ESV)
- I’m grateful for the victories God gives me.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:57, ESV)
- I’m grateful for God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)
- I’m grateful in every situation, even the difficult ones.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Prayer Suggestion: Personalize one or more of these verses to use as you pray. Then spend a little time meditating on how this verse speaks into your life.
1 Comment
Thank you for this thought provoking lesson! I’m grateful for your insight and love.