Every morning I try to wake up and be intentional about expressing gratitude for my life. For example, this morning the power of gratefulness was at work. I was able to beat the early morning cries of my toddler son and have some quiet time at my desk. I wrote down three things that I was grateful for: 1) Thankful that I was able to have this quiet early morning to spend with the Lord, 2) Thankful for God’s faithfulness, and 3) Thankful for my growing family.
Of course, every morning does not look the same. Sometimes I’m rushing to get everything and everyone ready for the day. Whether I’m in the moment of getting dressed for work or in my car on the way to work, I’m intentional of always saying or writing down at least three things I am grateful for that day. I have seen the power of gratefulness at work in my own life. In fact, gratitude is God’s therapy to anxiety and worry. I’m living the good life, not because my circumstances are perfect, because they definitely are not. I’m living the good life because my attitude towards my circumstances has changed.
The Miracle Cure
I love what Author Max Lucado says in his book, Anxious for Nothing, “Grateful individuals demonstrate less envy, materialism, and self-centerdness. Gratitude improves self-esteem, enhances relationships, quality of sleep, and longevity. If gratitude came in pill form, it would be deemed the miracle cure!”
So are you walking in the power of gratefulness? You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Yea, I’ll be grateful IF I get the new job. IF I get married, I’ll be happy. I can enjoy life, IF I get the new car. IF I can have a baby, then I will know what joy is. All I need is more money, then I’ll be happy. You will probably have short term happiness, but in each case, joy will come and go. I’ve lived it and you will also see that living the roller coaster of hope and disappointment is overrated. Why live a life of contingencies when God has a healthier strategy?
Focus on what you do have and less on what you don’t.
~ Max Lucado
The Power of Gratefulness
The power of gratefulness can be found by simply replacing our “IFs” with “already.” Paul says in Philippians 4:12, “I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” (HCSB). That secret lies in anchoring our hearts to the character of God. What we have in Christ is far greater than what we do not have in this life. Since no one can take our Christ, no one can take our joy (Lucado).
So are you ready to live out the power of gratefulness? Start now by expressing heart-felt thank-yous for the life you have. You will find a JOY and peace that runs worry right out of the door!
Additional Reading:
The Secret to the Good Life by Max Lucado
Worship Song: