The power of gratitude

“How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me;
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee.”

These are the words to the song “My Tribute,” penned by the late Andrae Crouch. This song holds a great deal of meaning for me. When I express my gratitude to the Lord, I often sing and think about its meaning. The first time I heard this song, I was going through a severe sickness. It ministered to my soul because I knew I didn’t deserve God’s mercy and yet He poured it out on me anyway. As a sinner, I didn’t deserve His mercy nor his grace and yet He thought I did and blessed me beyond measure.

What is gratitude? It’s this feeling of being thankful, showing appreciation, and showing kindness. When was the last time you showed appreciation to someone? Have you told someone that you are thankful for them or that you love them? I try to do this daily. We hear it all the time: life is short. If you have the time to express gratitude to someone, please do it now. Many people regret they didn’t take the time. The feeling of gratitude increases your generosity, self-worth, self-discipline, and happiness.

Always find a reason to be thankful. In order to practice gratitude, here are five simple ways I found effective:

1. Set aside a time each day to make a list of the things you are grateful for. Make sure you include the depraved things currently happening in your life. There’s something about going through a trial that raised your level of gratitude. We learn things we would not have learned otherwise.
2. When someone does something kind for you, whether it’s big or small, tell them thank you. Make this a habit.
3. Thank God for your doubters, haters and naysayers. Why? Because one day they’re going to wish they believed in you.
4. Thank God for seeing something inside of you that He chose to use for His purpose. Many are called, but few are chosen.
5. Contact someone that you haven’t seen in years that’s done something for you and express your gratitude.

Gratitude is a blessing for others and you. Share it and receive it.

Thank you for stopping by- Delphine Kirkland (Alabama)- Guest blogger

Her new book is now available on Amazon- Hiding God’s word in your heart