Five Spiritual Benefits of Gratitude

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 

Biblical Definition of Gratitude

1. Gratitude is a feeling and sense of thankfulness. It is appreciating God for all his blessings and gifts that we have received from him. Psa 68:19 says God “daily loads us with benefits.” David asks us to “…come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song" (Psalm 95:2). Colossians 3:15, says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Peace in your heart is a response to gratitude that God is in control, no matter the situation or circumstances.
2. Gratitude is also an act of worship. Acknowledging God as the source of all gifts and blessings in our lives. When see God as the source of all blessings, we will do what David says in.  Worship as gratitude comes with giving, giving thanks, giving offering, giving sacrifice. David said, "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High" (Psalm 50:14).  

Ephesians 5:20 says, "And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Spiritual Benefits of Gratitude

1.  Makes You Recognize God’s Blessings in Your Life: When we are grateful to God, it’s an indication that we recognize that all the good gifts and blessings we have are from Him. James 1:17 reminds us that "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."Being grateful to God opens the door for more of His blessings and provisions in our lives. It is like a tree that bears fruits; the farmer cares for it more, so that it can bear more. David said in Psalm 100:4: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
2. Makes You Remember God as the Source of Your Provisions: Gratitude helps us to remember that God is the primary source of our provision, regardless of our beautiful job or income. Sometimes, we may be carried by the privileges of our job and position, but when we give thanks and express gratitude for our job and position, we acknowledge God as the ultimate source. Eph 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ultimately, all blessings are from God. Lam 3:22 says, “it is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” 
3. Makes You Trust in God's Faithfulness in Challenging Times: When we are grateful to God even in difficult times, we are expressing our trust in God and His power to change situations. It is a solemn declaration to God that we believe in that he is faithful when we are faithless. We are telling him that we believe He is with us even in that situation and that he is in control.1Cor 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” The result of this is in Psalm 125:1, They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides for ever.” When we trust in God’s faithfulness, we acknowledge his power to change things in our favor. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Heb 10:23.
4. Gives You A Positive Attitude and Outlook About Life: This attribute brings joy and happiness to our mind especially in the face of negative situations and circumstances. Focusing on the good things in our lives as against the needs and wants and expressing gratitude for them helps us to change our outlook. When our outlook to situations changes, it will have a ripple effect on our mindset. This puts us on a positive pedestal and situations begins to change for the better. Paul tells us in Php 4:6 to “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”  When we are in this mindset, “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Php 4:7). 
5. Enhances Your Spiritual Growth: Gratitude is a fertilizer for spiritual growth. When we are grateful, it brings us improves our faith walk with God. This brings us closer to Him and helps in looking for answers in his word rather than in the world. Being grateful, particularly for what we already make us to trust him more for what we do not have. It increases our trust in him in times of need. It makes us to know that he has a plan for our lives. This deepens our relationship with Him because we believe Jer 29:11 is true: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

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PRAYER
​​I thank you for the gift of life
you have given me today
I am grateful for the people
in my life who love and support me
As I begin this day,
Help me to be grateful in everything
Help me to trust in You for everything
Remind me that You alone
Are the source of all goodness and perfection,
That You are unchanging and constant in Your love for me.
Help me be a blessing to others
Help me to share and spread love and joy to others
Amen