When We Are Grateful

There are days when I struggle with depression and finding the gratitude in a situation.

The other week, I heard a speaker say “When we are grateful our entire life changes”.

I began to think of all the little things I take for granted, instead of being grateful for. The fact that I woke up this morning, breathe fresh air, can hear the birds singing, have a job, have a home to live in, food in my pantry, money to pay my bills, and so many other small factors I easily overlook.

I began a gratitude journal to remind me of all I’m grateful for.  Most days it is easy to come up with at least three gratitude’s, but even when I have to think about it the gratitude’s seem to spring forth.

The Bible reminds us to be grateful.  A couple of those verses tell us:

• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6)

• “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
  
  “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalms 9:1)

• “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25)
  
  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17)
  
  “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34)

• “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
  
  Often it is changing our mindset and thought process which changes our situation, as well as our heart.

Do you keep a gratitude journal?  What are you grateful for?

Pictures from Pixabay.com