When everyone seems stressed out, it isn’t easy to maintain a thankful attitude. Even if it doesn’t come naturally, you must resolve to find the goodness of God still lingering on this earth to embody the type of gratitude to thrive.
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 7:17
If you have so much to be thankful for, how will you resolve to express that gratitude to God? Take these 3 steps to stay thankful:
#1. Personal Reflection
This week, take some time to get specific about why you have to be grateful. Evaluate the blessings you might often take for granted, and thank God for them one by one.
Don’t rush through this process. Review your life. Look around. It might not be what you wish it were, but thank God that it isn’t worse than it is.
#2. Intentional Encouragement
Some of the greatest gifts in our lives are the people with whom God has surrounded us. Prayerfully consider someone who could use encouragement, and go out of your way to tell them why you are thankful God has placed them in your life.
As you take the time to encourage someone intentionally, it will help alleviate any downcast demeanor. It will alter your perspective as you take your eyes off your discouragement and prioritize encouraging another.
#3. Family Experiment
Amid all the busyness, ensure you carve out time to list why your family should be thankful. Use this time to combat any endangering envy as you share with one another.
You can be as creative as you like, but take the time to reflect together. Get out and serve someone else. Could you take what you have and give it away? One of the best ways to rediscover gratitude is by discussing God’s blessings with your loved ones or bestowing generosity to others.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
