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Have you ever thought about how powerful gratitude is? It has truly just begun to dawn on me that when I choose gratitude, when I am consistently thankful, I am amazingly empowered!
What do I mean? First, let’s define the difference between gratitude and thankfulness. In many ways they are the same, but gratitude is more powerful. Thankfulness is a response to an event—when something nice happens or someone does something for you—and you are thankful. You got a good review which led to a raise, and you are thankful. And of course, thankfulness is good.
Gratitude, on the other hand, is a culture you develop for yourself, and it has a positive effect on everyone in your circle of influence. Being grateful becomes a way of life, increasing over time. The frequency of thankfulness develops this attitude or culture of gratitude. So, focusing on being thankful in all circumstances leads you to an abiding attitude of gratitude. It becomes a way of life, an automatic reaction, a repetitive act that creates spiritual muscle memory.
Amazingly, God’s Word set this principle for us long before psychology caught on.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
Paul wrote to the Colossians that they should sing to God with gratitude in their hearts (Colossians 3:16). Gratitude is a heart thing. Someone has said that gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart.
We have a ministry called The Hidden Word where we encourage you to memorize one verse per week. It is easy to do, and we help you. This month our theme is gratitude. You could join with us and develop this culture of gratitude for yourself—in your home, where you work. It is powerful; it can change the temperament and quality of your life, making an improved home life, a better workplace, a lovelier person in you, and all to the glory of God.
There is power in gratitude.