How Cultivating Gratitude Might Lead Us to True Worship

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  

Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude and worship

Gratitude and mindfulness. Two catchphrases of this decade that still warrant deeper exploration or definitions. Expressing gratitude for the abundance of the season’s harvest means more to me than picking apples, roasting turkeys, or baking bread and pumpkin pies. While I believe remembrances of family celebrations and feasts deserve our observance and smiles, my spirit knows that it’s only by God’s grace we’ve gathered another summer’s bounty—in good times or bad. It’s not about us undoers. It’s all about the Giver.

Each morning’s news headlines prove there’s never been a preferable, greater…or darker…time to appreciate life or how cultivating gratitude might lead us to true worship.

Remembering reasons to be thankful

I hope I’ll always:

• Notice the little things.
• Think about tomorrow. Consequences and blessings.
• Consider the gifts I’ve been given. Feel. Be vulnerable and allow truth to set me free.
• Share these morsels of wisdom.

Expressing Appreciation

Oh, and…tread lightly. Be kind. Listen more. Talk less…

Words of appreciation might go a long way, but our actions always speak louder than words. Our actions move us and others and can exemplify how cultivating gratitude might lead us to true worship.

Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?

Francis Chan

How thankfulness inspires (and grows) gratitude

Abba Father, please help us remember who we are, Lord, for it was only by your hands that we were fearfully and wonderfully made. You have given us today. Help us cast our cares for tomorrow away. Let us seek to see the awesomeness of this gift.

Help us not to worry it away. Instead, let us look to you with everlasting hope. Teach us to love one another like you first loved us—including those who deceive and conspire against us. We need your help to survive.

Whom shall I fear when in you I have clarity, rest, strength, and refuge? While I ask for wisdom above all else, Lord, I humbly seek to learn the profound simplicity of your ways. To walk with you is the only way I can ever be fearless and free—and to seek to know you is the only way I’ll ever grasp the meaning of how cultivating gratitude might lead us to true worship.

Do not be anxious about anything…

Philippians 4:6  ESV
 

…because gratitude brings spiritual health and joy.

Dear friends,

Have you ever lost your amazement for God’s abundant gifts in your everyday la, la, la, or in nature? If so, you’re not alone. We all struggle through the muck of life, and sometimes, we’re flat on our backs through dry seasons. Trust me. I get it, and I know it’s hard to be thankful or to celebrate Thanksgiving when we’re weary from seeing so much sadness in the world.

But…

I’ve found it’s in those low moments when I didn’t want to look up, my spirit faithfully asked Him to reveal himself yet again—And for me, He usually shows me His ways through nature. So, if you should ever venture out to seek the Almighty’s presence, I pray you also see His Glory shine through the tops of the leafless trees.

Wishing you many unexpected blessings on your journey,

JC

The Lord is my strength and shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 

.  Psalm 28:7 ESV

Special thanks: All images used courtesy of Pixabay. Feature Image: by Jill Wellington from Pixabay, #1 Bread, congerdesign, #2 Image by Susanne Jutzeler, Schweiz 🇨🇭 suju-foto from Pixabay, #3 Leaf, Kranich17