Gratitude is our ability to pause and give thanks for what we have in the present. The Bible tells us that our lives should be infused with gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Note that it says IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances. We don’t have to be thankful for the hard things that happen in our lives, but we can be thankful that God is with us in the midst of those challenging circumstances.

 

Gratitude is how we ground ourselves in God’s goodness and His presence. There are benefits spiritually, emotionally, and mentally to this practice.  We will often be tempted to complain about circumstances or hyperfocus on what we don’t have. However, there is always something we can be grateful for. Gratitude is a choice and we can cultivate it in our lives everyday.