In many verses in the Bible we find the command to thank God. It is His will, something that God expects of us to do. There is a reason God gives us this assignment. By being thankful we acknowledge all the good things in our lives, we acknowledge that these good things are a gift from God.
We also focus on God and no longer to ourselves and our problems. The more we thank God, the more we become aware of his presence in our lives. It shifts us from being self-centered to being God-centered, it brings us closer to God.
God knows life can be hard sometimes, by being grateful, even when things are tough, gives God the opportunity to see it through and fight our battles. Showing gratitude gives a peaceful feeling and an inner peace,even in the middle of the storm.
It protects us from jealousy. God gives us more than we deserve, if we are aware of it and thank you for that, we are no longer focused on what others have or have accomplished. It gives a sense of satisfaction about who you are in Christ, because you see what He does and has done for you. His love and grace is there for you.
Gratitude deepens your faith and strengthens your relationship with God. By being thankful to God and his blessings, we have already received, we become aware that we are dependent on God and not on people. We no longer seek appreciation from people but seek it from God.
The reward for gratitude is joy, peace that passes all understanding. If we are grateful to God, it will give us an enormous reward (see also the scientific explanation) that manifests in feeling good, joy, peace.These are all positive emotions and they are the exact opposite of negative emotions. That is a nice side effect because it is impossible to experience positive and negative emotions at the same time.
It is not enough to be grateful sometimes, it is meant to become a way of life. The fact that we are called to be thankful in so many verses shows how big an impact it can have on your life.
So just do it!!!
Prayer to Learn Gratitude by Derek Prince
Lord, teach me the secret of a grateful heart. Give me that basic attitude of gratitude and wonder at Your grace, that makes me approach everything from faith in Your possibilities and Your perspective. Thank You, that You want to give this precious gift, based on the sacrifice of Your Son. Amen.
Some verses from the Bible about gratitude?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, thank God in all circumstances, for this is His will of you who are in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Don't worry about anything, but in all circumstances ask God for what you need, giving thanks in your prayers. Then the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
But let us thank God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
Brothers and sisters, we must always thank God for you. Because there is every reason to do so, because your faith will grow strong and your love for one another will increase.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
Whatever you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, while you give thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, because as members of one body you were called to peace. Be grateful too.
Colossians 3:15
Keep praying and remain vigilant and grateful.
Colossians 4:2
You have become rich in every way so that you can be generous in everything, and your generosity leads through our mediation in thanksgiving to God.
Corinthians 9:11
Every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything and everyone I heard saying:'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be thanksgiving, the honor, the praise, and the power, forever and ever.’
Revelation 5:13
And he took bread, and gave thanks,, broke the bread and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Lucas 22:19
Praise the LORD! He is a good God. For his goodness and love are eternal.
Psalm 136:1
What science has discovered about gratitude.
Studies show that the amygdala and hippocampus are activated when you experience feelings of gratitude. The brain releases neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, dopamine produces feelings of happiness, increased motivation and concentration, makes you move smoothly and works as a reward after you have achieved a goal or performance. Serotonin helps you relax and gives you a stable mood.
Recent research shows that gratitude has a great effect on mental health such as: better sleep quality, improved social bonding, reduction in depression symptoms, increases stress resistance and gives improved self-esteem. Physically it improves your flexibility, reduces chronic pain and strengthens your immune system.
Gratitude is considered the number 1 in increasing happiness levels. Positive psychology makes extensive use of this. Your brain does not change by being grateful every now and then. You have to make it a daily practice. The more often gratitude thoughts are used, the stronger, and therefore more effective, those brain connections become. Practicing gratitude ensures that you get better at it. Gratitude therefore changes your biochemistry: as it creates new neurological pathways, it reprograms your brain in a positive way. It makes you aware of the beautiful things in your life, you have a better relativising ability in difficult times. It makes you more satisfied with your own life. Gives you more resilience in life where courage and hope play a role. Gives you more patience so that you make healthier choices. Increases your creativity and problem-solving ability. Gratitude can even ensure that a negative experience still gives a positive insight.
If all these benefits could be put into a pill, would you take it?
How can you experience more gratitude in your life?
If you want to integrate more gratitude into your life, you will face challenges that you must overcome. Some of the issues you may encounter include:
1 When you have developed negative thinking patterns which makes it difficult for you to recognize positive aspects, it will take conscious effort. Especially in the beginning. Then start by being grateful for the small things in your life.
2 Don't force yourself to be grateful in a stressful moment. Wait until your stress decreases and when you are calm you can be grateful for the peace you are now experiencing.
3 Do you have a full busy day then you can still be thankful briefly in your routine. For example for that first cup of coffee of your day or the pleasant shower in the morning. The amount and duration are not as important as the intensity of that moment.
4 Don't compare yourself to others, you only see the tip of the iceberg of their life. Realize that everyone has their own problems and experiences difficulties in their life.
5 Focus on what you can influence. There is no point in focusing on external events that you have no influence on, they make you feel powerless. Focus on things that you can influence.
Some questions you can ask yourself to help you get started are:
1 Which people make you happy?
2 What talent or quality that God has given you are you grateful for?
3 Who did you laugh with and why?
4 Who did you have a pleasant or good conversation with?
5 What insight are you grateful for?
6 What event in your past are you grateful for?
7 Which Bible verse gives you hope?
Concrete tips:
1 Start small, a few minutes of your day. For example, thank God for the beautiful flowers in your garden, for the lovely sunshine, for your delicious piece of chocolate, for your wealth.
2 Write At least once a week (or more often), write down 3 to 5 things you are thankful for. If you are not a writer, say them out loud. Research has shown that you remember them better that way.
3 Say thank you to the people who do or mean something to you. God has placed them in your life.
4 If you have trouble falling asleep due to worrying or wake up at night and can't get back to sleep.Start thinking about what you can be grateful for. Your worrying will disappear because negative and positive thinking is impossible at the same time.
5 Start your day by thanking God for a new day, which you may experience, and thank the Holy Spirit for His guidance.
6 Thank God for creation. Marvel at nature, see how wonderfully it is made. Delving into a small detail can bring you to the realization of the greatness of God.
7 Being grateful together deepens the bond between us. Thinking about what you were grateful for that day together with your partner or family, for example before dinner, will improve your relationship and also help you focus on the good things that happened that day.