CHOOSE JOY by practicing Gratitude!
This week’s challenge is GRATITUDE, so we are including a free gratitude tracker below. Did you know that studies now prove what the Bible has already told us? We can rewire our brains by being thankful!
In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.
And in Romans 12:2 Paul reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This is amazing! When we think about God and the gifts he’s given us, we receive God’s peace and discernment of His will.
Below you’ll find a free weekly gratitude tracker. Just download and print. Try taking a few minutes daily to jot down several things and see how your mood responds!
The Bible teaches us the importance of gratitude and the many blessings that we have in our lives. By giving thanks to God, we can cultivate a sense of joy, peace, and contentment, even in difficult circumstances.
Here are a few more verses about giving thanks:
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
A multitude of modern-day studies has been published highlighting many positive benefits of giving thanks.
- Improved mental health: A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that participants who wrote letters of gratitude reported significantly better mental health than those who wrote about negative experiences or simply wrote about daily events.
- Increased happiness: A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants who were instructed to write down three things they were grateful for each day for one week reported greater happiness and less depression than those in the control group.
- Better physical health: A study published in the journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice found that participants who kept a gratitude journal for six weeks reported improved sleep quality and decreased symptoms of illness compared to a control group.
- Improved relationships: A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that participants who expressed gratitude towards their partners had stronger relationships and were more satisfied with their partners than those who did not express gratitude.
- Increased resilience: A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who practiced gratitude were more resilient to stress and had better coping mechanisms than those who did not practice gratitude.
These modern-day studies simply show what God has said since the beginning of creation: Gratitude is good for you!