The Bible teaches us about the power of gratitude. An attitude of thanksgiving to God will consistently fill us with peace, joy and fulfillment. The apostle Paul is well known for writing Scriptures about being thankful. Some of the most well-known and often quoted passages are focused on gratitude, including but not limited to giving thanks for all things, in all circumstances (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18), being thankful even in suffering (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:1-4), and to do everything in the name of Jesus out of a spirit of gratefulness (Colossians 3:17).
That being said, if being grateful is one of the most important aspects for peace, joy and fulfillment why is it so difficult for some of us to be grateful? In my humble opinion, it’s because of regret and anxiety.
I’ve learned that no amount of regret changes the past and no amount of anxiety changes the future. But any amount of of gratitude changes the present. Hence the reason we are commanded to be thankful in “all” circumstances.
I’ve also found that gratitude on the deepest level is a reflection, acknowledgment, and acceptance of our worth – to God and other people. When we choose gratitude over regret and anxiety, we accept ourselves as worthy and give ourselves permission to be loved by God and to share love with others.
My brothers and sisters, it behooves us ‘all’ to shift our perspectives to one of deep gratitude, awareness and acceptance of our value to God and other people. It is only at this deepest level that gratitude can lift us from depression, restore relationships, and bridge peace, joy, and fulfillment.
4GIVEN 