LIFESTYLE OF GRATITUDE (1)

“I will bless the LORD AT ALL TIMES; His praise shall continually be in my mouth”  – Psalm 34:1

The LIFESTYLE of GRATITUDE is the Will of God for every Believer in Christ if we are to make God-glorifying Impact: “I will bless the LORD AT ALL TIMES; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psa.34:1). We are redeemed and equipped with Grace for the Lifestyle of Gratitude. We are encouraged to give thanks in all circumstances: “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1The.5:18). This infers cultivating a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all aspects of life, on a regular basis, for both the big and small things alike. If we are not grateful for even small things, we disqualify ourselves for the great things. The Lifestyle of Attitude invites others to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (v.9).

The Lifestyle of Gratitude is about seeing God’s Hand in everything. Beginning as a heart attitude – the Attitude of Gratitude – a Lifestyle of Gratitude involves consistently acknowledging and appreciating the good in our lives, recognizing them as gifts from God, and expressing thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude is the grade of our attitude; it is a key measure of the strength of our overall attitude to life. David, from a heart of gratitude delivered a legacy of most of the psalms and he kept soaring higher in life, because praise and gratitude bring us closer to God – the God Who indwells the praises of His people (Psa.22:3).

Gratitude is not merely a feeling, but a transformed way of life. Key Aspects of a Lifestyle of Gratitude include:

Recognizing God's Provision: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jam.1:17). It is about acknowledging His presence and Blessings in our lives, both big and small, and responding with gratitude – expressing thanks for blessings, both big and small.

Giving Thanks in All Circumstances: "GIVING THANKS ALWAYS for ALL THINGS to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph.5:20). We must be intentional in sustaining an attitude of gratitude even in challenging situations: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col.3:17). Gratitude shifts focus from what is lacking to what is present, fostering positivity and joy.

Impact on Others: A lifestyle of gratitude positively influences interactions with others, creating a more loving and appreciative environment. By consistently thanking God, faith is strengthened, and a deeper connection with Him is developed.

In essence, a lifestyle of gratitude, as depicted in the Scriptures, is a conscious and consistent practice of acknowledging God's goodness and expressing thanks in all aspects of life, leading to a more fulfilling, joyful, and impactful existence.