3 ways gratitude benefits our lives |
by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta
Have you ever wondered why we are told in the Bible to be thankful?
Our flesh defaults to complaining. Sometimes we may not
realize our words or thoughts contain grouchy sentiments.
Even though we have been made new in our spirits when we
accept Christ, our soul still needs to be renewed or we drift back into unholy
thinking.
Gratitude may be easy when we contemplate answered prayers
and receiving what we want. But even those blessings can be taken for granted
when we get comfortable. God warned the Israelites against complacency when
they arrived at the Promised Land where everything was already provided for them
(Deuteronomy 8:11-18).
There are more verses in the Bible about thankfulness than
we can count here. That should tell us how important this virtue is to our
lives.
Here are 3 ways gratitude can benefit our lives.
1. Gratitude softens our heart. The following verse in
Romans shows us that those who do not glorify God and are not thankful drift
into futile thinking. This darkens hearts.. A soul turned toward the Lord can
hear Him. Hearing His voice leads us out of temptation, and we can avoid sin.
Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him
as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and
their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21 NKJV, emphasis mine)
2. Gratitude lifts our mood. Medical research has proved
that expressing gratitude can be beneficial physically. The National Library of
Medicine’s website states, “The meta-analysis demonstrated that patients who underwent
gratitude interventions experienced greater feelings of gratitude, better
mental health, and fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, they
experienced other benefits such as a more positive mood and emotions.[i]”
A merry heart does good, like
medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
3. Gratitude overcomes selfishness. Thanking God for all
He has done for us takes the focus off ourselves and puts our attention where
it belongs—on Him. He is the ultimate giver as He has shown us by sending His
Son to take our place in punishment for sin. Giving to His work and helping
other people feeds our souls through obedience to His Word. We get out of our
self-absorbed attitudes and can be more productive in our careers and
relationships.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them
sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.
(Psalm 107:22-23)
As we gather around our table on Thanksgiving Day, may we
not only remember the material and physical provision from God, but our
spiritual blessings as well. Where would we be without grace, mercy, and the fruit
of the Holy Spirit? These are the gifts that will never expire and are the ones
that also give us the supply we need here on earth.
Each day can be a time to express thanks to God for His
abundance.
I hope each of you have a wonderful day celebrating the goodness of our heavenly Father!
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
3 Ways Expressing Gratitude Benefits Our Lives (click to share on X)
A grateful heart leads to many Christian virtues—contentment not least among them! Studies have shown how much gratitude benefits us physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thanks for this reminder, Barbra.
ReplyDeleteJesus showed us how important gratitude is by expressing thanks to His Father so many times. Gratitude does lead to other virtues. Thanks for sharing, Candyce. Blessings!
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