How to Practice Having a Heart of Gratitude
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 (Colossians 3:17).
Giving thanks to God is an important form of gratitude, and it’s easy to be grateful when life seems to be abounding in blessings. However, the essence of a truly grateful heart isn’t just about feeling content when things are going well or when celebrating Thanksgiving once a year. Genuine gratitude comes from the heart, allowing one to express thanks even during difficult and painful times.
Is gratitude something you struggle with? If so, don’t worry. Like many things, developing a heart of gratitude takes practice—and this is something that any of us can get better at—thank God!
Reasons to Cultivate a Grateful Heart
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:4).
When we praise and thank God, we instantly feel more connected to Him. This is one of the most important reasons for cultivating a grateful heart. Giving thanks to God demonstrates our appreciation, love for Him, and our faith. The more we focus on these good things, the more we can experience additional benefits that come from a gratitude.
Gratitude brings peace of mind.
People can easily become consumed by their problems. Feelings of anxiety, resentment, or sadness can take over—and the last thing we are is thankful in those moments. However, if you’re looking for reasons to be grateful instead, negativity can melt away and unshakable peace grows from within. In this way, gratitude also equals resilience.
Gratitude combats sinful habits.
Sin often takes root in the heart, especially when it is vulnerable to fear, anger, or despair. Similarly, when we neglect to trust God, the resulting lack of gratitude can undermine our faith. Cultivating thankfulness, however, acts as a powerful defense, striking at the core of many sins before they have a chance to take over.
Gratitude builds healthy relationships.
Just like a heart of gratitude draws us closer to God, it also builds healthy relationships with other people in our lives. When we let people know that we appreciate their efforts, value them as individuals, and praise God for acting in their lives, we forge strong connections that encourage trust, warmth, and respect.
How to Have a Heart of Gratitude
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).
Giving thanks in all circumstances is a high calling, and most of us have some room for improvement. Do you want to know how to have a heart of gratitude?
Changing your mindset can take time, and it’s normal to experience periods of greater and lesser gratitude. However, with these tips, you can start building a mindset of gratitude and overcome negativity more quickly when your heart wanders in a negative direction.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts down on paper. Take time each day to write at least one thing you are thankful for. Over time, this list will grow, and you can review your gratitude journal to help lift your spirits when you’re feeling down. You can also use your gratitude journal to explore scripture about gratitude and thanksgiving to help build your faith at the same time.
Say “thank you” to someone each day.
Verbally expressing gratitude each day releases happy-making chemicals in your brain, which can help you form a more positive outlook. Maybe you thank your partner for something you never really acknowledged. Perhaps you thank someone who holds a door for you. Look for opportunities to express thanks, and watch your heart fill with gratitude that benefits you and makes others feel great, too!
Do something good for someone else.
Taking your mind off your troubles and instead helping someone else can be a great way to cultivate a heart of gratitude. This also provides an opportunity to see what life is like for those who are less fortunate, which can help you to appreciate blessings in your life that you might otherwise take for granted.
Consider Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC
People struggle to develop a heart of gratitude for many reasons, and sometimes, the problems run so deep that it’s nearly impossible to overcome alone. When this is the case, Christian counseling is a great resource. With help from licensed therapists, you can uncover the reasons why you struggle with gratitude and gain useful skills that you can apply to your life at your own pace.
Get Help Growing a Heart of Gratitude with Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1).
Even when we are not thankful, God’s goodness and love remain steady. If you or someone you love would benefit from professional, faith-based counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns that make gratitude difficult, then Sojourner Counseling can help. Our Christian therapists in Raleigh counsel children, teens, and women using proven therapeutic methods combined with biblical resources. Contact us anytime if you’re interested in learning more.
