Three Principles for Practicing Biblical Gratitude
Gratitude is a buzzword.
Oprah Winfrey made the gratitude journal popular. Even Instagram carries the on trend hashtag #blessed. A quick search using the #blessed yields everything from a mom’s gratitude for a basket load of unmatched socks to an underwear model’s love for her fans to a hiker’s view of a mountain. The posts seem sincere in the appreciation expressed for the abundance, but toward whom are these posters appreciative?
When you consider your blessings, where is your gratitude directed?
The dictionary defines gratitude as: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Being grateful is a feeling or the act of showing appreciation for kindness.
Biblical Gratitude During Happy Times
There are many people on social media recognizing the abundance of their lives, families, friends and environment. I appreciate that! Even if it is a trending topic or just a fad, it makes them aware of their fortunate circumstances, whatever they may be. As a believer, I have been instructed in a certain way of doing things. One of those is to clearly recognize and be specific about my Source.
I am blessed. I am grateful. I am thankful. More specifically, I am blessed beyond measure by the Holy One, Adonai.
I am grateful to Jesus Christ for the sacrifice He made so I could live this life more abundantly. I am thankful for the good times and the bad times in my life because every moment gives the opportunity to build my faith and rely on God.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
These verses are key. In verse 18, it says that no matter what happens, I should always be thankful. This is God’s will for Christians. Being thankful in all things, no matter what happens is the key to always being joyful and blessed.
Gratitude in Hard Times
However, let’s consider real life for a moment. We all have very low days. Life happens to us and circumstances seem overwhelming. It feels bad. It’s hard to think of the silver lining when you are heartbroken and feel like your life is falling apart. So, instead of being thankful in those moments, we worry. Guess what? The Bible helps us with that too.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
So in ALL moments, you are instructed to always be thankful. If worry has overcome you because, well, life is hard, then pray.
When we put it together, biblical gratitude is expressed by always being thankful no matter what happens, always praying (with thanksgiving). It is the act of constant thankfulness and constant prayer which gives you the strength to always be joyful.
Living Biblical Gratitude Daily
Biblical gratitude is simple but not always easy. Keep these 3 guiding principles in mind:
- Don’t worry, instead pray (with thankfulness) about EVERYTHING.
- Be thankful NO MATTER WHAT.
- ALWAYS be joyful.
We are instructed on how to be grateful. Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing Him psalms of praise.” Sing praises! Sing praises of thanks.
In another Psalm we are to, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.(105:9)” Tell people. Let people in your life know what the Lord has done. This is a way to practice gratitude. You also overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) Telling the whole world what the Lord has done for you is also a way to build your faith and joy.
During this season of giving and receiving, remember what it means to be truly thankful.
Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 12 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com