Living a Life of Gratitude

When was the last time you were intentional about thanking God for the blessings in your life? Sometimes we get so busy with life and with the amazing jobs and families the Lord has given us, and we forget to give thanks! Then we feel overwhelmed, discontent, and unfulfilled. The secret to living a life that reflects God’s grace is living a life of gratitude. But when we remember to give thanks, grace is released for our lives! 

The grace of God is what empowers us to live for him. “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 (ESV) We need the grace of God every day! 

God's grace is released in our life when we learn to give thanks often. Here are two ways the grace of God will manifest when you give thanks to Him.

1. Greater access to God’s presence

Praise and thanksgiving is the quickest way to access God. We should enter the gates with praise and thanksgiving. When we complain or forget to give thanks, we hold back our breakthrough. Complaining is anti-faith. It’s like saying, God, you have never done anything for me, and you will never do anything for me.

Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is the highest expression of faith you can have! Living a life of gratitude shows God that you trust Him completely.

Declare: I am a person who gives thanks often. I focus on what I have and not what I have lost.

2. Grace to overcome your feelings.

Whether you’re feeling overworked or you have experienced the loss of a loved one, it's easy to be overwhelmed by your feelings. God never wanted you to be full of fear, anxiety, or depression. Your portion is peace and joy! When you give thanks to God for what you have, it will be multiplied in your life. 

Pray this: God, I cannot give you enough thanks for everything you have done for me. My life would not be the same without you. Thank you for saving me and transforming my life. Today I’m choosing to start living a life of gratitude. Help me to guard my tongue against complaining and to be fully aware of the blessings you have put in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen!