Have you ever stopped to think about how often we take the goodness of God for granted? I’m guilty of it too. I’ve been blessed in so many ways, yet I catch myself complaining, striving for more, or acting like the blessings in my life are no big deal.
But here’s the thing: gratitude is essential. And as Christians, it’s not just a nice idea, it’s a practice that draws us closer to God and helps us live in alignment with His will.
Faithful with a Little
Luke 16:10 tells us:
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
We often hear this verse applied to money, but it’s so much bigger than that. If we’re not faithful in showing gratitude for what we already have, why would God trust us with more?
Think about it. How often do we pray for something, receive it, and then immediately move on to “what’s next”? Instead of thanking God, we find ourselves wishing it happened faster, hoping it looked different, or complaining that it didn’t meet our expectations.
But look at the examples in scripture: when God showed up, people stopped to praise and worship. David, Paul, Peter, they didn’t just give a quick “thanks, God” and move on. They took time to marvel at His goodness. Why aren’t we doing the same?
Gratitude in the Hard Times
Now, let me be clear: showing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. Life is messy. I’ve been homeless, hungry, and in situations that were downright awful. But even in the hardest moments, there was always something to be thankful for.
Jesus Himself modeled this for us. He blessed the food He had, gave thanks, and trusted God to multiply it. If the Son of God made gratitude a priority, why do we think we’re exempt?
Gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but it shifts our perspective. It reminds us of God’s goodness, even when things don’t make sense.
If your prayer life feels distracted or dry, Fervent by Priscilla Shirer is a must-read. It’s not fluffy. It’s a straight-up battle plan for getting strategic and intentional in prayer. Practical, powerful, and rooted in Scripture. Highly recommend. Grab it here.
Shifting to Gratitude
Let’s be real: complaining is easy. I’ve been called out on how often I complain, and it’s humbling. But here’s the truth: complaining keeps us stuck. It focuses on what’s wrong instead of what God has already made right.
Gratitude, on the other hand, transforms us. Psychologically, it rewires our brains for joy. Spiritually, it draws us closer to God. The more we lean into gratitude, the more we experience His presence.
A Challenge for You
Here’s my challenge: grab a journal and write down five things you’re grateful for every day.
You can write them in a journal, share them with a friend, or post them online, whatever works for you. I used to do this consistently, especially during my recovery from DV (domestic violence), and it was life-changing. I’m committing to getting back into that habit, and I’d love for you to join me.
Here’s what happens when we focus on gratitude:
- Our hearts shift from complaint to contentment.
- We see God’s goodness in the small, everyday moments.
- We build a foundation of faithfulness that prepares us for bigger blessings.
Let’s stop taking God’s blessings for granted. Let’s praise Him for what He’s already done.
If gratitude feels hard right now, or like something you keep forgetting, I created a Free Prayer Journal to help.
It’s a simple, Scripture-guided space to reflect, pray, and remember what God is doing, even in the middle of the mess.
Download it here and start noticing grace again.
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