Lesson 5: Gratitude Shifts Everything

Gratitude didn’t come naturally to me until I became a Christian.

My mind used to focus on what I couldn’t afford, what was missing in my life, or what could go wrong. I spent more time dwelling on lack than noticing abundance.

But I've learned that gratitude is a discipline. It's not waiting until I feel thankful; it is choosing to give thanks even when I don't have what I’ve been praying for.

There are still so many things in life that I want to have or achieve. But every day, I wake up and recognize how blessed I truly am. I have breath in my lungs. I have roof over my head, I have food provided for my family. I have loved ones who genuinely care for us and lift us up in prayer.

Now I pause to notice small blessings throughout the day. I recognize the victories in my life. I pay attention to the opportunities God sends my way.

It hasn't made my problems disappear. But it has changed how I see them.

What gratitude looks like for me now:

• I give thanks when I wake up each morning.

  Before my feet hit the floor, I think of what Im grateful for, because his mercy is new every morning.

  “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 

• I look for small victories when things are challenging.

  Even in difficult seasons, I serarch for evidence of God’s hand at work.

  "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." — Zechariah 4:10

• I help other recognize their victories when they’re feeling down.

  Gratitude grows when we speak it into someone else's life. "

  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

  
  

Click here for Lesson 4: Waiting Has Purpose

Read the full series: 7 Faith Lessons Life Taught Me