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.”

Oh, 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 (but, of course, well-deserved) bonus at work,… Can you see the problem!?

On the other hand, most of us agree that there are some things for which we shouldn’t be expected to be grateful, like an accident, a dire diagnosis from the doctor, losing our job, a government shutdown that results in getting laid off or being required to work without pay for an extended period of time. Surely no one should be expected to be grateful in those circumstances, right?

Well, 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” (emphasis added). 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 just 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 just seems so far out of our reach, the Holy Spirit steps in to guide us, to give us the words, to change our hearts.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, take the time to ask God to show you how you can be grateful, even when all around you seems to be falling apart. Just 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. The Lord has done it this very day; 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. [The word “sacrifice” implies it may not be easy, and it might be costly.]
• 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, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 4:12-13 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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

“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.”

Need more practice in feeling and showing gratitude? Just enter “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, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).