How to Practice Daily Gratitude

Why Practice Gratitude?

Did you know research shows practicing gratitude improves your mood and overall physical health? No wonder the Bible is full of thanksgiving and commands to praise God. But beyond the health benefits, true gratitude is a way we love and worship our Creator.

While you may be familiar with the practice of gratitude, it’s not always easy to maintain a positive outlook in the hustle of life.

At Good Samaritan UMC, we’re excited to share three ways to seamlessly incorporate gratitude into your week. Adding even just one of these tips to your daily routine will not only brighten your day but also transform your spiritual life.

Thank God for One New Thing

Gratitude is a powerful gift that brings us closer to God. Reflecting on 1 Timothy 4:4, we understand that everything created by God is inherently good, and when we embrace this truth, even the smallest things become worthy of appreciation.

Before you start each day, reflect on the good things in your life. If possible, identify at least one new thing to thank God for every day. The more specific you are, the more enriching this experience becomes. You may choose to start a gratitude journal, praise God out loud, or even pray the words of Scripture, such as the Psalms.

Creating a gratitude jar is another unique way to practice thankfulness. Write your daily gratitude on a piece of paper and place it in a jar. At the end of the year or when you need some encouragement, empty your jar and reflect on God’s care for you.

It’s important to recognize that a sense of gratitude extends beyond the tangible aspects of life. Stretch those gratitude muscles by thinking outside of the box. Thank God not only for the gifts of creation but for who God is and what is being redeemed in the world around you. God is worthy of our praise and adoration.

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Express Gratitude to Others

The gift of gratitude extends beyond ourselves. In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul writes to the church, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful…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.”

In a world with so much division, thankfulness brings us closer together. Expressing gratitude to those around you not only brings joy to others but also warms your own heart.

Many of us receive countless acts of kindness and support that often go unnoticed and unacknowledged. Try telling just one person each day why you are thankful for them. This could be as simple as texting a friend or family member, stopping a coworker in the hall, or writing a note to your spouse. Sometimes, those closest to us are the ones who need our gratitude the most.

Just like when practicing personal gratitude, it’s important to share specifics when thanking the people in your life. Using phrases like “It was really nice of you to…” or “I felt loved when you…” can mean a lot more to someone than a generic “thank you.” By sharing the details of your thankfulness, you’re conveying the depth of your gratitude in a way that resonates more profoundly.

Rethink Your Struggles

No matter how thankful you are, tough times are inevitable. James 1:2-3 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

It’s okay not to feel grateful for the hardships you face, but what you can do is find the lesson. When the past weighs you down, reflect on how your experiences shaped who you are today. Your circumstance might be nudging you outside of your comfort zone and closer to God. No matter what you are experiencing, God promises to be present with us always. This kind of perspective can help you endure the toughest of trials.

We understand cultivating gratitude, especially during difficult times, can be a challenge. Our hope is that these three practices gradually become part of your routine so that gratitude becomes second nature. Always remember that genuine gratitude brings you to the feet of Jesus, humbly praising Him for Who is His and what He has done.

Need Help? Know Someone Who Does?

Contact one of the following if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support:

Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
Text the Minnesota Crisis Text line (Text MN to 741741)
Call or Chat with The Trevor Project Suicide Prevention line for LGBQ Youth (24 hour, toll free hotline: 1-866-488-7386)

Connect with a trained crisis counselor. These resources are confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.