Ever feel like gratitude is harder than it should be?

Grateful No Matter What

Gratitude comes naturally when everything is going right. But what about when things don’t go our way? What about when we don’t get what we want, or when life seems stuck in neutral?

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

At our core, most of us want to be grateful. But something gets in the way.

In his book Gratitude, Neal Plantinga outlines several things that block our ability to be thankful. And as we read them again this week, we realized—we’ve felt all of these at some point. Maybe you have too:

• Cynicism – We become skeptical. Instead of celebrating the good, we question motives.

• Self-Sufficiency – We think we don’t need help from others or even from God.

• Greed – We constantly want more, making it impossible to enjoy what we already have.

• Apathy – We pretend not to care, but deep down, we know we do.

• Resentment – Comparison creeps in. We feel shortchanged by life or by others.

• Entitlement – We think we deserve more. Pride tells us life owes us something.

  
  

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

So what do we do when we feel these things creeping in? Here’s one way to fight back: practice gratitude, out loud and on purpose. Try this:

• Write your spouse a note listing 3 things you’re grateful for.

• Text your buddy and thank him for being in your life.

• Tell your kids what you love most about them this week.

• Get on your knees and tell God what you appreciate—even if it’s just for the breath in your lungs.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

We’re grateful for YOU—for taking time to read this, for who God made you to be, and for what He’s still doing in your life.

Let’s make this a week full of Gratitude.