Recently, I finished the study book ‘Growing in gratitude’ with one of my friends. My motivations for choosing to study this book were far from the title of the book, simply because the front cover was very pretty (haha), vain, I know.
Little did I know that a few months after reading the book I would have grown into a rhythm of gratitude in all aspects all my life that I have never experienced before. This may sound a bit dramatic, but it is so true, this book literally changed my perspective on every aspect of my life. More importantly however, this book has shaped how I relate to God and how I relate to others.
I wouldn’t want to spoil reading it for yourself but the main aspect of the book which stood out to both me and my friend is that as Christians we should spill over with gratitude so that it is literally flowing from us. It sounds like a bit of a strange analogy but applying this to our everyday lives has brought so much joy to both of us, even in the midst of very difficult circumstances.
As a starting point, as Christians, we have been forgiven of our sins, we have been redeemed and we have been saved from ourselves. This should lead to a heart of gratefulness and thankfulness, but we often fail to practise this in our lives. This book is so formative as it gives practical examples of how we can show gratitude in our lives in a way that is both natural and effective. The book stresses that this is not about a works- based faith. It is simply about giving practical ways that we can make known our gratitude towards the Lord by loving him and loving others.
Here are a few more practical snippets from the book that you can apply to your everyday life.
1. Start each day with an attitude of gratefulness and thankfulness for God’s gift of saving grace which we do not deserve but are in daily receipt of.
2. Consciously think of things that you are grateful for as you go through your day and make a point of writing these down and meditating on them
3. Pray to God, thanking him for the gifts and good things that come everyday.
4. Make an effort to be thankful in practical ways – this could be sending an encouraging text, dropping off flowers or writing to someone; or by praying for a friend, colleague, family member and thanking God for them.
5. Stop grumbling, and cultivate gratitude by identifying in your heart what your motives are for grumbling which usually leads us back to repentance of our sinful hearts.
6. Always look outwards, seeking opportunities to serve and love others as well as looking to Christ who is the perfecter of our faith.
I don’t know about you, but I find this challenging. I know that my heart is often hard, with a posture of hostility to others but also to Christ himself. However, as I have come to realise more fully the sacrifice that Jesus has made, it is hard not to let this spill over into a natural form of gratitude.
If you struggle with being grateful and find yourself often harbouring bitterness or resentfulness towards others, I urge you to read this book and have your mind transformed as you once again come to the cross of Jesus and renew your gratitude for Christ, and by extension, others.
Meditating on the goodness of God can only make for a grateful heart which ultimately glorifies him.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” Psalm 118:1
Since I have plugged this so much – You can get yourself a copy here – do it!
