Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4–5, NIV
Research consistently points to something Scripture has taught for generations: gratitude changes the way we experience life. People who cultivate thankfulness tend to experience greater joy and contentment.
Paul gives us an extraordinary example. Read Philippians 1, and you’ll notice that the tone of his letter is filled with joy. Yet Paul is writing from prison, chained to Roman guards and facing the very real possibility of death. His circumstances certainly gave him reasons to complain.
Instead, he writes, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NIV).
That kind of joy can seem like an impossible standard. So perhaps it helps to think about the people we know whose presence lifts our spirits. Aren’t many of them people who have learned to be grateful? Their circumstances may not be perfect, but their gratitude changes the atmosphere around them.
My older sister is one of those people.
She is thankful for almost everything—even a good parking spot. Professionally, she was a gifted elementary school guidance counselor. Because teachers frequently sought her advice, she often worked extra hours to meet the needs of her students. At one point, she had a principal who regularly asked her to take on responsibilities he avoided.
Her response was not, “Why am I always the one who has to do this?”
Instead, she would say, “I’m grateful they trust me to do it.”
When family and friends needed her, even when their requests added to an already exhausting schedule, she would say, “Although it was exhausting, it was all good stuff. How could I refuse?”
People are drawn to her. She carries a spirit of gratitude that makes others feel encouraged and loved. Like Paul, she has learned to look for reasons to give thanks even when life is demanding.
My sister’s example challenges me because gratitude does not always come as naturally to me.
I can be a grumbler.
As I approach my late 60s, it seems that a different body part hurts every week. And it’s usually not instead of the things that hurt last week, but in addition to them. I grumble when I feel taken for granted or slighted. I find plenty of other reasons, too.
And then I remember how blessed I am.
God has given me more than I ever expected. My physical and financial health allow me to do everything I need to do and many of the things I want to do. My children and grandchildren all live within five minutes of my home, and I get to see them regularly—sometimes by plan and sometimes simply because they happen to stop by.
These reminders help me put my complaints into perspective. They also remind me that gratitude is not simply a feeling that comes naturally when life is going well. It is a practice—a choice to notice God’s goodness even when circumstances are difficult.
I find myself asking God repeatedly to forgive me for my lack of appreciation, noticing what is wrong instead of recognizing what is right, and focusing on what I lack instead of thanking Him for what I have. I genuinely repent, but I am still a work in progress.
Perhaps you are, too.
Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I focus more on what is difficult than on the many ways You have blessed me. Teach me to recognize Your goodness, to give thanks in all circumstances, and to carry a spirit of gratitude wherever I go. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your provision, and Your enduring love. Amen.
Copyright Judith Landrum, Ph.D.
Judith served as a teacher and dean in both public schools and private Christian universities for over 40 years and has published numerous articles on literacy-related topics.
