It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, focusing on what’s not going right and overlooking the blessings we have. But I've found that when you make a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude, your heart changes and your relationship with the Lord deepens.

Think about those moments when you’ve felt truly grateful. Can you recall how the world seemed to shift a little, and how you could see the goodness around you more clearly? Gratitude has this incredible power to change your perspective. It shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance you often take for granted. The Bible is full of reminders about the importance of gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re told to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a call to adopt a lifestyle of thankfulness.

I know it’s easier said than done, but one way to start cultivating gratitude is by creating a daily habit of thankfulness. How often do you take a moment to thank God for the little things in your life? Try beginning and ending your day with a few moments of reflection, thanking God for specific blessings. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Sometimes, it’s the simple things—a warm bed, a kind word, a beautiful sunrise. When you make this a regular practice, you start to see God’s hand in every part of your life, no matter how small.

During a really rough patch., I felt like the things I had placed my trust in were falling apart, and I struggled to see any good in what was happening around me. Have you ever felt that way? Well, I forced myself to write down a couple things I was thankful for, every day, even if they seemed insignificant. At first, it was hard, but gradually, it became easier. Over time, I noticed a shift in my attitude. My circumstances hadn’t changed, but my heart had. I felt more peaceful, more hopeful, and more aware of the fact that God had my back the whole time and was blessing me in ways I just couldn’t see at the moment.

Another way to cultivate gratitude is to express it to others. How often do you thank the people in your life—for their kindness, their support, their presence? If you make it a habit to thank the people around you you’ll find that it can go a long way in building stronger, more meaningful relationships. When you acknowledge the goodness in others, it not only encourages them but also fills your own heart with joy.

I also feel that gratefulness prepares me to face challenges with a more positive outlook. I think when you’re accustomed to looking for the good, you’re better equipped to handle difficulties. If you can trust that God is at work, even in the tough times, and that He has a purpose for everything you go through you’ll find you’ll be able to experience His peace even in the most difficult circumstances.

Being grateful is not about denying your struggles or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing that God’s goodness and grace are present in every situation. Are you willing to let thankfulness shape your heart and perspective, bringing you closer to God and filling you with a sense of peace and joy?

If so, then start and end your days with thankfulness and express your appreciation to those around you. In doing so, you’ll not only embrace a more joyful heart but also draw closer to the One who is the source of all your blessings.