I’ve been thinking about how I can grow in my attitude of gratitude lately. I’ve discovered that unless I am mindful of my gratitude attitude that it’ s very easy to slip into complaining and being negative, even if it is only about the traffic or the weather. Despite the blessings and the many times when God intervenes on our behalf we often still complain and doubt His goodness.
However when we incessantly complain we limit our ability to recognise all the good things around us and it’s really difficult to then see anything in a positive light. Complaining highlights the main reasons we complain which are:
1. Entitlement – we are ungrateful for what we have and think we deserve more.
2. Ingratitude – We don’t trust God’s or others goodness and concern for us.
If you have ever had to listen to your children or someone else grumbling and complaining you know that it can be so disappointing.
However the solution to ingratitude and being more positive is to practice being thankful for the good things around us. It’s something most of us have to be intentional about.
So here are a few ideas to help make gratitude a bigger part of your life.
1. Thank God. When we want to grumble and complain, thank and praise God for His goodness instead. Be thankful for things you usually take for granted, such as your food, water, electricity, hot showers, transport etc. It will soon change your focus from grumbling to appreciation and from negativity to hope. Practice looking for the good instead of the bad.
2. Keep a journal or gratitude jar: Note 3-5 things you are grateful for everyday and write them down and give thanks as you do.
3. Aim to give at least one compliment every day, whether directly to a person or by sharing your appreciation of something.
4.What can I learn from this? When you find yourself in a difficult situation what is God wanting you to learn and discover? What can you be grateful for in this circumstance?
5. Practice not complaining, criticising or gossiping. Set yourself a goal to not complain for 30 days. Get into the word on what God says about about being grateful and write a scripture down each day and ask Jesus to help change your focus from negativity to hope.
6. Talk about good things: Instead of calling someone to complain about your life use the time to talk about some good things that have happened or you’ve heard about since you last spoke.
Gratefulness to God for who He is and what He has done for us are all expressions that send a message to God that resonates with who He is. Gratitude paves the way and is a magnet for miracles because it’s the language of heaven.
Today instead of complaining and falling into the ingratitude trap, focus on the many good things God has provided for you. As the Psalms say; “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1)
Gratitude will have a positive effect not just on your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health but also on all those around you. As we express our gratitude we become more aware of God’s presence and welcome him moving in our lives. And when that happens anything is possible! (Psalm 100:4)
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world…”(Philippians 2:14)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
Prayer: Lord help me to have an attitude of gratitude instead of one of complaining and entitlement. Today I want to say thank you for all that you have done and how much you love me. In Jesus Name Amen.