You’ve probably heard the inspiring verse, 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.” But what does this verse look like practically?
“Gratitude” and “thanksgiving” are lofty words whose connotations often go unpinned. We all want to be grateful. But the “getting there” is where we can wind up a little lost. What does real-life gratitude look like? How can we cultivate thanksgiving and grow into the beautiful wildflowers God has created us to be with satisfied, appreciative hearts? Here are some ideas:
- Gratitude is established through tangibly acknowledging our blessings. Communicate gratitude daily through praising and thanking God through prayer.
- Keep a running list of your blessings. Review it and prayerfully add to it, daily.
- If you don’t have something positive to say, say nothing at all. Instead of complaining, create a mindset of proclaiming Christ’s holy name.
- Be quick to listen and slow to argue. Philippians 2:14 implores us to do everything without grumbling or arguing. Have a good attitude.
- Journal your thoughts and reflect on something good that happened each day.
- Memorize scripture. I know it can be a challenge, but memorizing scripture refocuses our minds on things of the Lord. Try memorizing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in bite-sized pieces.
- Before you get out of bed in the morning, talk to God and thank him for the life he has given you.
- When you close your eyes at night, before floating to sleep, reflect on a blessing that unfolded that day.
- “Want what you have.” Consider all of the extra things God has given you in addition to the basic building blocks of life: food, clothing, and shelter. Cherish what you have been given. Treasure the people and relationships in your life. Consider the unique giftings and attributes God has blessed you with.
- Even when circumstances are challenging, chaotic, or mundane, look for ways to be grateful. Reset your mind to praise God for things you sometimes take for granted like a washer machine, fresh food to prepare meals, and the people you have the opportunity to bless through serving.
- Chase your dreams. I said it! No matter what phase of life you are in, we all have dreams. Pray that God will show you the steps to take to pursue the dreams he has planted inside of you. In watering our dreams, we demonstrate our thanks to the Lord. No one is going to chase your dreams for you!
Gratitude is a heart posture of humility and remembrance of Christ Jesus. It is clinging to our reason for a lifestyle of praise and appreciation: God is good. God is love. God has won.
What are you grateful for today? Will you start creating that running list of blessings we talked about, right now?
About the Author:
Alexandra Jensen is a Steering Team Leader for the MomCo. Organization in Tulsa. Alexandra is part of the COMPEL Writer’s Group through Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband attend Battlecreek Church. Alexandra has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Creative Writing Minor and a Master’s degree in Math and Science Education. She is a former Elementary school teacher. Alexandra is a wife, stay-at-home mother of three, and antiques dealer. She loves taking her children to playgrounds, the aquarium, and the zoo. When she is not on mom duty, Alexandra enjoys going on dates with her husband, late-night book club meetings, quilting, and quality time with friends.
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