Although gratitude should be an integral part of our lives every day, this month is when we intentionally set our hearts on gratitude. Everyone, even science, knows that gratitude is good for us. The physician and researcher Hans Seyle, who studied the negative effects of stress on humans, concluded that the best antidote to stress is gratitude. So, why then is it so hard to be grateful sometimes?

For the Christian, there is much more to gratitude than what science can name, because our gratitude grows as we experience and realize God’s goodness in our lives. Our gratitude, as Christians, is rooted in God. When we realize that everything that God allows in our lives is part of His purpose for our lives, we can be thankful as we submit to His will and trust that He is working it all for our good.

Life itself is a gift from God. The fact that we are walking, talking, and breathing are all blessings! Having a roof over our heads, food on our tables, and income producing jobs are all part of God’s overwhelming goodness in our lives. Can life be stressful and difficult at times? Absolutely! But we have a choice, and this choice will have a great impact on our faith and personal relationship with Christ. We can choose to focus on all the stressors and worry about things that are often out of our control, or we can choose to focus on the good that can come from even the hardest times and be thankful that we belong to the One who IS in control.

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or worried, take a deep breath and say one thing you are thankful for out loud. After that, say one more thing. You will realize that the more you voice your gratitude, our worries start diminishing as we find rest in God’s unfailing love.

Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father, life is full of ups and downs and sometimes I find myself focusing on all the negative things that are happening to me. In these moments I ask that you give me a heart full of gratitude as I shift my focus to your endless love, forgiveness, provision, and mercy in my life. You are always good. I praise You and choose gratitude today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

1. 1 Chronicles 16:34.