What Is Gratitude Anyways?Is it an emotion? Is it a practice? Well, it’s both and more. Gratit

What Is Gratitude Anyways?

Is it an emotion? Is it a practice? Well, it’s both and more. Gratitude has been referred to as an appreciation that comes from within, it’s a tool we can use to shift our attention to the good we have, and it’s also a conscious choice we can make to return kindness back into the world.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” ~Oprah Winfrey

Are There Benefits?

Many researchers have studied the long and short-term effects of practicing gratitude. Here are some of the benefits (there are a whole lot more!):

-Helps us focus on the positive, resulting in a happier life

-Increases resiliency

-Has a positive impact on self-esteem

-Improves relationships

-Helps us become more generous, give from abundance

-Reduces depressive symptoms

-Improves sleep hygiene

-Helps the mind focus on good things, when bad comes it doesn’t feel as bad

What Does the Bible Say About Being Thankful?

The idea of thankfulness (Hebrew: yadáh) shows up in the Hebrew Bible 102 times and (Greek: eukharistÔ) shows up 71 times in the Christian Bible. It’s clear that the idea of giving thanks is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, indicating that it is a crucial part in being in a relationship with God and others.

We see this in books such as Ecclesiastes, Job, and the Psalms, where people are in various places of prosperity and suffering, yet hold to trust and gratitude toward God.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; For you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” ~Psalm 23:4-6

Even though the Psalmist is near death and surrounded by enemies, they are sustained by their gratitude for God’s presence and gifts.

Materialism

Another benefit of cultivating gratitude is it can help you become less materialistic. This world we live in is all about the next best thing, new this, new that; and in our materialism we are ravaging the earth God trusted us to take care of. Being grateful for what we have helps slow us down and appreciate the gifts God gives us like the everyday food we enjoy, the constantly-changing weather, good art and music, and the people we love.

From Transactional to Transformational

With the idea of materialism comes the idea of a transactional life, and giving to get. We often just use prayer like a transaction:

“YOU’RE SO GREAT GOD! — NOW IT’D BE GREAT IF YOU DID THIS THING FOR ME.”

But praying from a posture of gratitude turns our shallow transactional habit into a transformational relationship. Waking up and giving thanks for the gift of another day, of our breath, and of the person God is ever creating us to be — this worshipful practice of gratitude transforms us into people who love God, love ourselves, and love others.

Cultivating Gratitude

HERE ARE SOME APPROACHES TO HELP YOU ESTABLISH A PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE IN YOUR OWN LIFE!

Gratitude Journal; start a habit of writing down just a few things every day.

Write a thank you letter to your friend.

Prayer; slowly and intentionally thank God for things you appreciate.

Find your breath, slow down, and be present in the moment.

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