How to Live a Life in Gratitude
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
God has reminded me more than once how I drift from Him, that I need to trust and follow Him. His presence is evident in my life from the beautiful, comforting, and loving words He says to me through the Holy Spirit. And yet, I still struggle. Why? Because I allow the struggles in my life to take over and forget to appreciate what I have.
The great things God has given...
Forgiveness.
Mercy.
Patience.
Unyielding love.
Salvation.
A solution for problems and inflictions is being grateful for what God has given you yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His faithfulness is unchanging. He’s like the ocean wave, the wind that moves the seasons to grow and flourish. He’s the fragrance of roses, and in the field of lilies for you to enjoy. He surrounds you with glory and beauty. Look up and see Him, for He dwells in the heavens, seeking you from above.
God desires for you to appreciate all He has given, to spend time with Him, talk to Him, sit still with Him. He longs for you to know him intimately through His word so He can transform your heart into a grateful one.
To be grateful for what God provides, celebrates His abundance.
Psalm 100:4-5:
"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".
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"
Ephesians 5:20
"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Through prayer, worship, and praise you exalt God, moreover, you exalt your heart. The woes of life fade and your heart grows brighter. It leads me to the recent animated movie version of “The Grinch”.
His meanness was born from being abandoned and a heart three times too small. He wanted the Whos to feel his pain. But on Christmas morning, he couldn’t believe the sight before him. After he stole gifts, Christmas trees and decorations, the Whos came together, hand in hand, and sang in joy the birth of our Lord. The Grinch expected them to be crushed, and yet, they showed gratitude and love. Through this witness, his heart transformed.
It's heartfelt gratitude that changes the way you think, a thought wave that ripples through every cell in your body, but mostly, the heart. It opens the door to see things in a different perspective, to appreciate all you have, and be grateful for the promise of tomorrow.
We watched the holiday movie, “A Christmas Romance,” with Olivia Newton-John who played the role of a widow with two kids. She’d recently been laid off. Then three days before Christmas, the bank sent a representative to inform her to pay the back payments on the mortgage or the bank would foreclose. In each uncomfortable moment, she’d say, “peace on earth and goodwill to men.”
Uplifting words elevates a grateful heart and renews hope.
Hope for a better future.
Improved health.
Financial stability.
Relationships.
Love.
Hope and gratitude are factors that move you in the grace of God. To a place where you hear His voice, guidance, and miracles.
Christmas is known as the season of miracles. In truth, miracles happen every day. It’s God’s way of showing you He is here, active in your heart with gratitude.
His path leads you to prosperity, abundance, and hope in a future. To trust His plans for you.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
When you lean on His words, your heart will swell in gratitude for His teachings, counsel, and truth. Especially in this generation. There are more resources available to help you understand and guide you to God’s truth than ever before. I believe it’s for a reason. The dead sea scrolls were found in the 1940’s for a purpose. As in this era, we have the ability to print millions of copies of the Bible in a time where it’s needed most.
The Bible shifts your perspective on what is right and wrong. It gives you meaning and purpose—to actively embrace your mind through listening to His word. It’s a never-ending series of stories that change each time you read its chapters. It’s unique. Timeless. And never gets old. His powerful word changes your heart, from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, grateful for all He’s given and sacrificed.
In addition to reading God’s word, I found praying and asking God what He’d like to share with me for the day, opens a dialogue you can’t imagine. His love, and guidance is deeper than the ocean, as He knows what you need to change your heart, to embrace circumstances with trust, even when life seems hopeless.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
God whispered these words in my devotion time with Him:
“Be of strong courage. Know that I am with you. I will never forsake you. Take my hand, walk with me. Let my peace calm the troubled waters in your heart. Be still with me, for I AM YOUR GOD. You are not alone. Your life will flourish. Trust in the plan I have for you as you have a future. Soon the tides with change.”
Is there anyone in your life that fills your heart with gratitude when you’re weary?
A person who sits and listens to the troubles of your heart and never tires of hearing your voice?
Someone who lifts you up with just a few words?
Each of us has someone. However, God knows my heart, will never leave me, and this truth overflows my heart with gratitude.
He has lifted me out of the drowning waters of anxiety and stress more than once.
I’ve learned to overcome difficult seasons, to be grateful, delight in Him, learn His words, and never doubt His presence.
One of the main tools I use to build gratitude are Prayer Journals. I created three journals, with plans to create more in the near future.
Each journal has a theme:
What is Prayer?
He Must Increase, I must Decrease
Rejoice in the Lord.
Themes based on blogs to help people grow their relationship in Christ Jesus.
Each journal is in a digital format, easy to download, where you can print as many copies as you need when you need them. The journals have been essential in my growth. It’s where I hear His comforting words and guidance. Where the door opens to appreciate everything He has done for us.
In closing, God waits in anticipation to hear your voice and is overjoyed with gratitude when you call Him.
God Bless,
The Prayer Journals are available as a digital download at my ETSY Store, at Archway Designs by CFC Studios.
Grab a copy today.
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Prayer Journals
To help you in your journey, I created Prayer Journals, to build a closer bond with Christ Jesus.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or fine art available for wall décor.
