The Spirit of Gratitude

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Jul 8
5 min read

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude doesn’t always come easy. It’s simple to be thankful when everything is going well—when prayers are answered, bills are paid, loved ones are safe, and doors keep opening. But what about those seasons when it feels like everything is falling apart?

I’ve been there.

There have been days I sat in silence, staring at the ceiling I prayed under a hundred times before, wondering if God still heard me. Days when I didn’t have answers, and all I had was pain. But even in those quiet, messy, uncertain moments—gratitude became the anchor I didn’t know I needed.

Gratitude Is a Perspective Shift

I remember one specific morning. I was overwhelmed—work was stressful, home life too, and I was still praying for God to provide a place of my own or a way to escape it all. I felt stuck—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

I sat on the floor crying. Not a dramatic cry, but the kind that’s just… heavy. I was tired of holding it all in, tired of waiting, tired of pretending I was okay.

Then something unexpected happened. I whispered out loud, “God, thank You.”

Not because I felt thankful—but because I needed to remind myself that He was still good.

I thanked Him for breath in my lungs. For strength to get up. For the fact that I wasn’t alone in the battle.

That moment didn’t change my circumstances, but it changed me. Gratitude didn’t erase the pain, but it reframed it. I could see God's hand still moving, even in what looked like a valley.

Even one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:6-7, reminds us to include "with thanksgiving" because we’re giving thanks right in the midst of our troubles. You may not know how the circumstances will change, but you trust that God is with you—and that He has the power to shift things if it's in His will. And above all, you're grateful that He even thinks of you. You’re thankful for all He’s done in your life before, and for what He continues to do.

I remember hearing a pastor on the way to work say something that stuck with me: Instead of constantly praying about what's wrong or asking God to change everything, start thanking Him. And watch how your focus shifts. There’s always something to be thankful for—your job, your health, waking up this morning, your family. Gratitude redirects your heart from fear and frustration to peace and perspective.

Why Gratitude Matters to Our Faith

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank You.” It’s a posture of the heart. A deliberate choice to trust God’s goodness even when life doesn’t make sense.

Throughout the Bible, we see that thanksgiving is a consistent theme among those walking closely with God. Paul, writing many of his letters from prison, often began with gratitude. David, despite running for his life, poured out thanksgiving in the Psalms. Jesus, before breaking bread and heading to the cross, gave thanks.

Gratitude is the language of faith. It says, “I trust You, Lord—not just for what You’ve done, but for who You are.”

Practicing the Spirit of Gratitude Daily

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a discipline. Here are a few ways I’ve learned to intentionally cultivate it:

1. Start Your Day with Thanks

Before reaching for your phone or starting the day’s tasks, take 60 seconds to thank God. Out loud. It might feel awkward at first, but it aligns your spirit with truth.

Example:

Thank You for waking me up.
Thank You for grace that covers my past.
Thank You for new opportunities today.

2. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Each night, jot down three things you're grateful for—no matter how small. This helps your heart reflect on blessings instead of burdens.

3. Praise Through the Pain

When I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, I play worship music. I sing, I cry, I lift my hands—whatever I can do to realign my focus from what’s wrong to who God is.

Scriptures That Inspire a Grateful Heart

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” – Psalm 107:1
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20

A Personal Testimony of Thanks

This year has been a year of loss and health challenges surrounding my family and my friend's family. My sister-in-law lost her mother. I lost my grandfather. My sister-in-law also lost her beloved dog. My own dog was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I lost my job. My grandmother had to undergo open heart surgery. And my friend’s mom also had open heart surgery and has been recovering from congestive heart failure.

But even in all of that—there’s so much to be thankful for.

My grandmother recovered from her surgery. My friend’s mom, though still healing, is recovering well too. We’ve cried, prayed, and leaned on each other. And through it all, I’ve found reasons to thank God. For the strength to endure. For the people who stayed close. For His presence in the middle of chaos.

Even when the weight of grief and uncertainty felt too heavy, gratitude has been my survival song. Not because everything is perfect—but because God is still faithful.

Gratitude Makes Us More Like Christ

Jesus lived a life of radical gratitude. He thanked God even before miracles happened. He thanked God before pain. Gratitude fueled His trust in the Father.

If we want to reflect Christ, we must learn to be thankful not just when we win—but even in waiting, hurting, and growing.

What Gratitude Does for Us

Heals Our Perspective: It shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s already there.
Deepens Our Faith: Trust grows when we remember how faithful God has been.
Strengthens Relationships: Grateful people are more loving, joyful, and kind.
Protects Against Comparison: Gratitude helps us celebrate our portion without resenting someone else’s.

A Call to Reflect

What are you thankful for today?Even if it’s hard to see—look deeper.

Is there a lesson in your struggle?
A person who’s shown up for you?
A moment of peace that reminded you you’re not alone?

Take a few minutes today to write down five things you’re grateful for. Post one in the comments, or message a friend and share it with them.

Let’s start a chain of gratitude that changes lives.

Prayer:

Lord, give me a grateful heart. One that sees beyond the chaos and pain. Teach me to thank You in all things, to trust You in every season, and to never forget Your faithfulness. Let my gratitude be a light to others and a reminder of who You are. Amen.

Engagement Prompt:

What’s one thing you're thanking God for this week?

Drop it in the comments or tag someone you're grateful for!

Let’s flood this space with thankfulness.