Colossians 2:7
Having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
To intentionally walk in gratitude is life changing. This spiritual discipline helps us appreciates what we have and not what we think we should have. Counting our blessings adds meaning to life, even during our most tumultuous times.
“Great things happen to those who don't stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful.”
- Roy T. Bennett -
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gratitude makes us appreciate the value of people and things. One is less likely to take those personal treasures for granted. Studies have even found that gratefulness quenches resentment towards others. Gratitude helps us recover more quickly from stress and adversity. Gratitude opens the locked door to our spiritual side. Remember Adam and Eve wanted more. They were not satisfied with what they had. It wasn't enough. But as Christians we are greatful for what our Heavenly Father as given us through Jesus.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Gratitude is not about thinking positive over your negative situations, rather it's about thinking and acting beneficially. People with any addiction see their next fix as a positive situation but it is clearly not beneficial. Another person may need to confront a fear, most certainly a negative encounter but it will enable that person to be better equipped to handle a similar situation in the future. It's beneficial.
Beneficial thinking maximizes a better return physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Jesus ask the Father to "let this cup pass from me,” His human side desired to avoid the pain and suffering that He was about to endure. But He quickly acquiesced to the Father's plan, knowing how beneficial it would be to humanity. He did so willingly and gratefully.
A grateful heart will always find the benefit and ask 'what can I learn from this experience? Just read the following verse:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
First James faced a negative (trials) than he extracted a benefit (perseverance).
I am greatful for what our Heavenly Father as done for us. He reconciled our relationship with and to Him. We have inherited eternity.
Let your gratitude overflow.
The Lord has been moving upon my heart on gratitude. It is so powerful.