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The Bible clearly teaches us to give thanks in all situations, to develop a heart of gratitude because it makes a huge difference in your growth as a follower of Jesus Christ. The more you have a spirit, a controlling attitude of gratitude for all the blessings in your life, beginning with Jesus, the more power you will have to do the good works you were put here to do, as we read in Ephesians 2:10.
I have a suggestion I believe will put you on the path to becoming a more grateful person, a person whose first response to whatever happens in your day is to give thanks. I’m going to do this with you. I believe it would be a great help if we would keep a thankful journal—a book or a tablet of some kind—where we specifically name three things in that day we are thankful for.
This is not a new idea. Many studies have been done in the secular world showing the power of gratitude. Once again, the world has unknowingly come to accept principles that are grounded in God’s truth. When you practice biblical principles, they work for your good even if you are not yet born again into God’s family.
I have journaled in different ways through the years, but this is the first time I’ve committed to a daily, end-of-day thankful journal. And it so happens a dear friend just gave me a new journal—not a coincidence, if you ask me.
Will you join me? I mean, how much trouble can it be? It’s really easy to do. Just jot down three things in each day that you are thankful for—or more. It could be a chocolate cake or a good report from your doctor or a call from a friend. Small or large, it shouldn’t be hard to name three things each day for which you are thankful and write them in your thankful journal. If you decide to do this with me, let me know, and please share your experience of how God is growing a heart of gratitude in you. It could be life-changing in many ways.
