The Power of Gratitude
- Osayi
- Oct 21
- 6 min read
I never truly considered the power of gratitude until I looked back over my life. In hindsight, I realized how my attitude and perspective had become a kind of armour-a shield from the despair that could have easily paved a very different path for me.
This wasn't a matter of just positive thinking, it was something much deeper.
It was discovering the God of grace, the One who guarded me through some of life’s painful experiences. It was because of Him that I came to confidently proclaim that Gratitude is a supernatural power-something not from ourselves but from the One who holds all power.
What Exactly is Gratitude?
Gratitude can be defined as a feeling, attitude, or state of being appreciative or thankful.
In Scripture, the Greek word "eucharisteo" is used to express thankfulness in response to God’s blessings. Similarly, "chariti" meaning “grace” or “favor,” carries a deep sense of gratitude rooted in God’s goodness.
Gratitude is a principle that is woven throughout the Old and New Testament. In fact, variations of the word “thanks,” “thanksgiving,” and “thankful” appear over 100 times in the Bible.
Why Is Gratitude Such a Significant Biblical Principle?
Well, its significance can be seen in its physiological effects. Gratitude doesn’t just impact our spirit, it affects our body and mind as well.
For instance, scientific research confirms what Scripture has long held. Gratitude releases “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to the brain’s reward center. These hormones promote motivation, calm, and well-being, important for sustaining positive behaviors. In other words, the more we express gratitude, the more grateful we feel.
It’s no surprise, then, that Scripture exhorts us to,
“Give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude is not a suggestion, it’s a call to a lifestyle of thankfulness, regardless of what we're walking through.
How Do We Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude?
Gratitude doesn't always come easily. For some, their upbringing, predisposition, or environment can cause negativity to feel more natural. But God, in His grace, gives us what we need to build a thankful heart. Here are four biblical ways to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude:
1. You Are What You Think
“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7
The surest way to a despondent mood and negative outlook is to dwell on unhelpful thoughts. Our thought life shapes our emotions, behaviors, and outlook. When we dwell on negativity, fear, or lies, our mood and actions follow. But when we align our thoughts with God’s truth, we begin to cultivate peace, joy, and thankfulness.
“Above all, be careful what you think, because your thoughts control your life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Again, science supports this biblical truth. Gratitude quite literally re-wires our brain: the more we practice gratitude, the more we strengthen the brain’s neural pathways connected to positivity. Just like worn trails become more defined and easier to walk, positive thought patterns become more natural the more we use them.
Practical Steps:
Be intentional: Take a moment to pause and examine your thoughts. Are they true? Are they helpful? Or are they simply distractions pulling you away from peace and joy?
Replace lies with truth: Scripture reminds us not to believe every spirit but to test them (1 John 4:1). In the same way, challenge untrue or unhelpful thoughts. Speak God’s promises over your life and anchor your mind in His truth.
Establish new patterns: Renew your mind daily by taking every negative thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Choose instead to dwell on what is true, noble, pure, and uplifting (Philippians 4:8). Let these truths shape your perspective and guide your thoughts.
“Whatever is true, noble, right, pure… think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
2. Remember the Good Things
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord… I will meditate on all your mighty deeds.” – Psalm 77:11-12
Memory is a powerful tool in cultivating gratitude. While we can’t change the past, we can choose how we reflect on it. God continually calls His people to remember, not their pain, but His faithfulness.
Think back:
Can you recount how God has carried you through?
Do you remember moments of protection, provision, or peace?
Have people shown you kindness, compassion, or love in your time of need?
Recalling the goodness of God not only stirs gratitude, but also brings healing and hope.
Practical Steps:
Start a gratitude journal. Write down blessings, both big and small. Recall moments of awe, joy, peace, beauty, or deliverance.
If you need a starting point, begin with the simple truth: you are alive today, God has preserved you for a purpose.
Revisit your journal often. Let it remind you of how God has been faithful and trust that He still is.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17
Every remembered blessing is a reminder that God is near.
3. Pray Without Ceasing
“Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Prayer isn't just our direct communication line to God, it's our connection point. And it’s not just a spiritual practice, but a lifeline. God invites us to cast our cares on Him, promising to give us His peace in return.
When we pray with thanksgiving, our focus shifts from the weight of our problems to God’s presence, deepening our capacity for gratitude.
“Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Practical Steps:
Morning: Start each day with prayer. Before checking your phone, check-in with God. Thank Him for a new day and invite His presence into the moments ahead.
During stress: When stress and overwhelm rises, pause, and breathe. Release your anxiety to God, ask Him to fill you with peace knowing that He is in control of every circumstance and has your future secure in His hands.
Daily Habit: Pray through scripture and declare His promises over your life. Let His truth guide your thoughts and anchor your heart.
Prayer cultivates trust, and trust deepens gratitude.
4. Rejoice Always
“Rejoice always.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoicing when our circumstance is anything but pleasant, and the seams of our carefully woven plans are unraveling seems counterintuitive. Yet, that is precisely what scripture calls us to do. Our joy is not tied to our circumstances but in the unchanging character of God.
Our ability to rejoice hinges on two foundational truths about God:
He is Sovereign, and
He is Good.
If we truly believe that God is sovereign, then we understand that nothing happens outside of His knowledge and control. If we believe that God is good, then regardless of our circumstances, we can trust that He is working all things for our good in accordance with His perfect will (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we can rejoice in thanksgiving even when life doesn't appear to make sense.
Do you believe God is Sovereign? Then trust that He is in control of your situation.
Do you believe God is good? Then trust that He is working in your discomfort or pain.
Developing a deeper trust in the Lord develops an unwavering heart of gratitude.
“I am the giver of light and the maker of the dark...I am the Lord, who does all these things.” – Isaiah 45:7
Gratitude Is a Heart Posture
Gratitude is more than an emotion, it’s a discipline. It is a spiritual posture of the heart that requires intentionaility.
When we:
Renew our minds with God’s Word,
Remember His faithfulness,
Remain steadfast in prayer,
Rejoice in His unchanging nature,
...we begin to transform our perspective and cultivate a heart that sees life through the lens of grace and thanksgiving.
Final Reflection: Have You Practiced Gratitude Today?
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect:
What am I thankful for right now?
How has God revealed His goodness in my life?
What truth can I hold onto today, even if my circumstances don’t change?
Start small. Speak it out. Write it down. Pray it through.
Gratitude is powerful. But more than that, it is holy, because it flows from the heart of our gracious and faithful God.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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