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.
Whereas practicing gratitude has a positive effect not just on our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health but also on all those around us. 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)
However when we incessantly complain we limit our ability to recognise the good things or to see the possibilities in front of us.
The solution to ingratitude is to be intentionally thankful. 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 can you learn from it? What can you be grateful for in this circumstance?
5. Set yourself a goal to not complain for 30 days. Get into the God’s word on what He says about about being grateful and write a scripture down each day. 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 positive 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 are all expressions that send a message to God that resonates with who He is. Gratitude is a magnet for miracles because it’s the language of heaven.
Today focus on all that God has provided for you and the potential each new day contains to something great to happen. As the Psalms say; “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1)
“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.