The Joy of the Journey
Living Life with an Attitude of Gratitude
Living with gratitude is a powerful concept that can profoundly transform our lives. There is an old Christian Hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr., pub.1897 that states the following:
Count Your Blessings
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And what the Lord has done will surprise you.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]” (Count Your Blessings)
This song is a reminder that we are blessed more than we acknowledge. Gratitude is not just a feeling or an emotion; it is a choice we can make daily. It acknowledges the blessings and goodness in our lives, even amid challenges and difficulties. When we adopt an attitude of gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, from our problems to our blessings.
As believers, we are called to give thanks in all circumstances, not just when things are going well. This mindset of gratitude is rooted in the teachings of the Bible, specifically in Ephesians 5:20, “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” One key benefit of living with an attitude of gratitude is that it promotes a sense of contentment and peace. By being grateful for what we have, big or small, we cultivate a spirit of appreciation and satisfaction. This contentment helps us cope with stress and adversity as we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives.
In our world, it is easy to be influenced by the many negative and discouraged people around us. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity and resentment. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, we are less likely to harbor feelings of envy or bitterness. Gratitude helps us to forgive and let go of past hurts, promoting healing and reconciliation. When our hearts are focused on gratitude, it fosters a positive outlook on life. Focusing on the good things around us makes us more likely to experience the joy and happiness God wants for His children. Genuine gratitude opens our eyes to the beauty and wonder of God’s many blessings, leading to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.
The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who lived with an attitude of gratitude. One example is King David, who wrote many Psalms expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. In Psalm 100, David encourages us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”. David understood the importance of gratitude in worship and in daily life. Living with an attitude of gratitude is a transformative practice that aligns us with God’s will for our lives. It reminds us of our countless blessings and encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude strengthens our faith, deepens our relationships, and causes a positive outlook. As believers, let us embrace the attitude of gratitude and live each day with hearts full of thanksgiving.
