There’s this topic I know has a lot of content out there in the world but also gets a lot of ‘oh yeah, sure’ glances before people move right on past it.
Before I tell you what it is, I want you to pay attention to what you feel when I tell you what it is. Do you feel it’s cliche? Do you feel the inner eye roll? Do you have the thought to move on to a different podcast episode? Do you think to yourself, ‘yes this is important and I’ll get to it one day’?
Today, we’re diving into the power of thankfulness. It’s not just a feel-good emotion but a transformative practice that can bring you more joy, deepen your relationships, and ground you even in tough times.
Why Do We Forget to Be Thankful?
Busyness:
Life moves fast, and with so much to juggle, we often prioritize productivity over reflection. We love more doing and less being. Being can be scary if we don’t realize that being is where we find the truth, hope, and possibility we are looking for.
Example: You rush through your day, ticking off tasks, and forget to pause and acknowledge the good things happening.
Comparison:
Social media and societal pressures invite us to focus on what we lack instead of what we have. But you don’t have to give in. You can practice gratitude and push aside the envy, jealousy, and orphan mindedness.
Example: Scrolling through Instagram and feeling envious of someone else’s vacation instead of appreciating the meal you’re enjoying.
Unprocessed Pain:
When facing challenges, it’s easy to focus on the struggle and miss the blessings that coexist with difficulty. But oftentimes, if you look, you’ll find new hope and blessings in the midst of what you’re going through. It’s hard to turn your mind from what’s terrible to what’s great, but once you do it, you can’t unsee the blessings that are in front of you.
Example: During a tough financial season, you might not pay attention to what it means to have the support and love of your friends and family.
How to Develop a Practice of Thankfulness
Keep a Journal- But Make It Easy To Do
Scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Write down three things you’re thankful for every day. They can be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or as profound as a meaningful conversation.
Example: If you’re struggling with stress at work or at home, journaling your gratitude will help you see the positives, like supportive colleagues, your family’s encouragement, the friend who always offers a listening ear.
Tip: Use prompts like “What made me smile today?” to uncover hidden blessings.
2. Turn Your Complaints Into Gratitude
Scripture: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14. I like to think in terms of operating in the ‘opposite spirit’.
For every complaint, find one thing to be grateful for.
Example: If you’re stuck in traffic, instead of stewing, you might think, “I’m grateful for this time to listen to my favorite podcast.” Or if someone cuts you off, pray for them and bless them instead of cursing and raging at them. See it as an opportunity to bless people you wouldn’t otherwise have prayed for.
Tip: Make this a family practice during dinner by asking, “What’s one challenge you faced today, and what’s one thing you’re thankful for?” Even if it’s just you, make it your way of taking time at dinner to process the answers.
3. Express What You're Grateful for Out Loud
Scripture: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”– Psalm 100:4
Say “thank you” to others often and genuinely. It strengthens relationships and reinforces a positive mindset.
Example: If you start expressing your gratitude more at home or work, you will notice higher morale, greater collaboration (with the dishwashing), and more smiles directed your way.
Tip: Record a voice memo to a friend, thanking them for their impact on your life—it’s more personal than a text.
Thankfulness Matters Because It:
Builds Resilience: Gratitude shifts focus from problems to possibilities.
Deepens Relationships: Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds and develops trust.
Aligns Us with God: Thankfulness keeps us rooted in God’s grace and provision, even during hard times.
Here’s what I want you to do. Stop and ask yourself right now:
“What is one thing I’m super thankful for in 2024?”
Next I want you to ask this:
“Why am I so thankful for that? What is it about that I feel so thankful for?”
This why question is the joy of knowing what makes you grateful.
Often the thing we are thankful for is just a manifestation of something deeper within us.
It’s also really powerful to keep a journal of God’s promises, things you hope and pray for, and how things come to pass. When you give attention to how good things do happen to you, prayers do get answered, and things are working together for your good, you have a better worldview of your life. This shapes your perspective. If you don’t ever put any focus on what you have, how you got it, and what it means to you then there will be more negativity in your soul and you’ll forget who you are.
Reader Challenge- For the next 7 days, practice one act of gratitude daily:
Write in a gratitude journal, even if it’s a note in your phone.
Send a daily heartfelt “thank you” message to someone.
Turn complaints into gratitude.
Try embracing the benefits of gratitude my friend, not as a fleeting feeling but as an intentional, life-changing habit. Remember: in thankfulness, we find peace, joy, and alignment with God’s will!