Practicing Gratitude

I recently read an article in which the author used the phrase “practicing gratitude.” Now, I don’t know how you would take that, but it sounded to me like gratitude might be something that doesn’t necessarily come naturally to us! The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

What Does It Mean to Practice Gratitude?

There are some things we are immediately and openly grateful for, like a nice sunny day (but not too hot), rain after a long drought (but not too much rain), an unexpected bonus at work… Can you see the problem?

On the other hand, most of us agree that there are things for which we shouldn’t be expected to be grateful, like an accident, a dire diagnosis, losing a job, or a government shutdown that leads to financial hardship. Surely no one should be expected to be grateful in those circumstances, right?

Gratitude in All Circumstances

It appears that God has a different idea of what situations deserve a response of gratitude. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” All circumstances. Every one of them. Even the bad ones.

Apparently, God thinks we should be practicing gratitude a whole lot more than we are. But He also knows we can’t do it in our own strength. He knows there are times we simply can’t. Those are the times when we can fall upon the promise in Romans 8:26: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

In our weakness, when gratitude seems far out of reach, the Holy Spirit steps in to guide us, to give us the words, to change our hearts.

Biblical Verses on Gratitude and Thanksgiving

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, take the time to ask God to show you how to be grateful even when life feels overwhelming. Here are a few verses to get you started:

• Psalm 118:22–24 – The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Let us rejoice today and be glad.
• Ephesians 5:20 – Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Hebrews 13:15 – Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
• Philippians 4:6–7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 4:12–13 – I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Making Gratitude a Daily Practice

Psalm 100 lists several things for which we can and should be grateful. Why not make this your daily prayer of thanksgiving?

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

How to Grow in Gratitude

Need more practice in feeling and showing gratitude? Search “verses on gratitude” in your favorite browser, and use the lists that pop up to help you as you learn to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).