“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103:2 NLT
Psychologists have proven that gratitude offers extensive benefits for well-being, ranging from increased optimism, reduced stress and anxiety in times of crisis, enhanced physical health, and improved relationships. Beyond this, we see clear instructions and examples of gratitude in the word of God.
Gratitude is a culture that should be cultivated intentionally. To start with, be thoughtful to recognise your privileges and diligent enough to remember them often. We are to take lessons from the children of Israel; despite how good God was to them they were so quick to forget all that God did for them. An example of their ingratitude can be seen in Exodus 16:3, The sons of Israel said to Aaron and Moses:
“If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
Unlike the Israelites, we are to remember the goodness of God and thank Him for His love and tender mercies towards us. When we are faced with difficulty we should approach it from a place of gratitude as is stated in Philippians 4:6 thus: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”.
Cultivate the habit of showing gratitude for your salvation, everyday. Recognize the overwhelming love God reveals to us through His Son. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), not of works lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9). Gratitude should be our disposition towards God and it will spur us to thank Him with our whole life (Psalm 103:1-3, Colossians 1:12).
Another gratitude habit that is worth building is the art of writing down or listing the things that you are thankful for. Always keep the blessings in your life before you. Let them be top of mind. When you pray, give thanks for every good thing you see in your life. Like David, vow not to forget the good things that God has given you (Psalm 103:2).
We should also express gratitude to others. Show your gratitude in both words and deeds to everyone who extends compassion to you through action, words, gifts, or any other means. Say thank you in clear, unambiguous language without any murmuring.
So today, write out the big and small testimonies you have and see for yourself how good the Lord has been to you.
CONFESSION
I see the good in situations
I see the good in people
I am not quick to forget the goodness of God to me
I am not quick to forget the kindness shown to me by people
I do not take any blessing for granted
I am satisfied in God
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 7-10