It has been proven that showing gratitude is healthy and improves your mood and overall mental health. The Bible has many references to thanksgiving and instructions to praise God. Showing genuine gratitude is healthy and a sure way we can love and worship God. First Timothy 4 tells us that everything that has been created by God is good. Knowing that all things created by God are good, we can appreciate even the smallest thing and show gratitude for its existence. Gratitude goes beyond being thankful for tangible things; it should include all the gifts God allows us to enjoy. There is always a reason to be grateful and to praise where we are and what God is doing for us. We should remember Psalm 118: 24, which reminds us that God makes each day, and we should rejoice and be glad in it.
There are many examples and lessons involving gratitude. King David made many mistakes and often played the role of a sinner, but he was also known to give thanks throughout his life for the blessings he received. King David repented his shortcomings and expressed gratitude to the Lord. While writing Psalm, King David wrote about showing gratitude seven times. He talked about being grateful even at his lowest point, where he was committing murder and adultery. King David asked for forgiveness and thanked God for allowing him to repent. In Exodus 15, Moses expressed gratitude to God for bringing Israel out of Egypt and surviving the suffering endured during their journey. The gift that Israel received was freedom and the Lord’s faithfulness, which required celebration and thanksgiving. In Luke 17:11- 19, Jesus cured ten lepers, and only one leper expressed gratitude to Jesus for healing the leprosy. Sometimes, when things happen, we forget to show gratitude, which is understandable. But at some point, the excitement should be replaced with thankfulness and gratitude. In this case, the lepers all should show recognition to Jesus for saving them from the terrible life and death of leprosy. Sometimes, showing gratitude can have effects beyond those involved. Paul and Silas were wrongly thrown into jail for helping a demon-possessed girl. Instead of being angry and complaining, they began praying and singing hymns of thanksgiving that the other prisoners could hear. The Philippian jailer listened to the songs and prayers and did not understand why they showed gratitude for their circumstances. He was even more surprised when Paul and Silas did not escape during the earthquake. You never know how a grateful attitude may affect people around you. Later, in Philippians 1:4-10, Paul writes to the church in Philippi, expressing gratitude for the church members’ work while spreading the gospel. Despite being in jail and not knowing his fate, Paul thanks God for the people following his ministry. I wonder how many people could show gratitude under the same circumstances. Gratitude is mentioned at least 157 times in the Bible.
Gratitude is the act of being thankful, a willingness to show appreciation and reciprocate kindness.
“Gratitude is when we acknowledge another person who intentionally, altruistically, and at some cost gives us something of personal value….. Gratitude is more than rote politeness or a calculated strategy to keep the gifts coming. Being grateful is linked to higher levels of life satisfaction, optimism, vitality, helpfulness, empathy, forgiveness, and positive affect. Gratefulness broadens our perspective on life, allowing us to be more creative and insightful. Gratitude also reduces feelings of envy, negativity, depression, and anxiety. Some have argued that gratitude is central to our relationships with other people and to the human experience as a whole.” (O’Hara, 2022)
“Taking a posture of gratitude during a challenging time in life can prove a powerful choice. It’s almost impossible to dwell on hardships and struggles surrounding you when you focus on the good things you are thankful for. These two opposites can’t occupy your mind at the same time.” (Holden, 2024) We are reminded that gratitude is necessary to maintain our lives and satisfy our circumstances. Gratitude plays a huge part in attitude and how we live our daily lives. “Gratitude can have a significant impact on our mindset, our physical bodies, and ultimately our over all well being. Studies show that gratitude increases our resiliency, making us better able to cope with the changes around us, improves sleep, increases feelings of happiness, decreases anxiety, and can even decrease blood pressure.” (Holden, 2024) We should be reminded daily of Philippians 4:6-8 which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Holden, J. (2024). The Power of Practicing Gratitude. Retrieved from Hope Has Arrived: https://www.hopehasarrived.com/the-power-of-practicing-gratitude/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncWvBhD_ARIsAEb2HW8XlrZPhtoz-Rc8oH8Vl8Ycvjh8YAiOF9yu6Y8kdOi4pJ62bOa8XIgaArOlEALw_wcB
O’Hara, R. E. (2022, 11 2). The Power of Gratitude. Retrieved from Psychlogy Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nudging-ahead/202211/the-power-gratitude