Is It Possible to Stifle Feelings of Gratitude?

What prevents feelings of gratitude from being acknowledged or expressed? It could be related to thinking the world and God owe you everything you need and want. Possessing the finances or credit to purchase whatever is desired can create an attitude of self-reliance that stifles the inclination to be thankful.

Rediscovering gratitude demands going against self-sufficiency and independence. To create a new attitude of gratitude, consider which of your possessions has the least value and give thanks to God for that very thing. Your coffee cup, your toothbrush, and the mirror that helps you prepare for the day are provisions from God.

First Thessalonians 5:16 reminds us that an attitude of gratitude is required by God. “Be joyful always, pray at all times, and be thankful for every situation. This is God’s will for you in your union with Christ Jesus.” Gratitude should be linked to Jesus because in him we have hope and confidence.          

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Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Ephesians 5:19-20 New International Version

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Worn Down by Worry?

A little anxiety is not unhealthy when it serves as a deterrent to neglecting responsibilities or opportunities. Anxiety about losing your job serves as motivation to show up on time, ready to work. Some chronic worriers, however, become so fixated on the negatives of life that thanksgiving and happiness are beyond experiencing.

Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or what you will wear. Life is more important than food and clothes.” Jesus spoke these words to help people refocus on what ultimately matters. Worry stifles trust in God while immobilizing the brain’s ability to consider and apply alternative solutions to problems.

Too much worry damages your health by creating headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers and other problems. In place of worry and anxiety, Jesus will give you peace of mind and the desire to express thanksgiving and happiness. He invites you to place all of your worries on him for he knows what distresses you. Do this now.  

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Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.

~Psalm 55:22 The Living Bible

Giving Thanks Gives Joy

Your personal happiness is definitely affected by what is perceived as being capable of stealing away your confidence. Rarely does a day go by without challenges to your peace and joy, but thank God, these challenges can be sidestepped. Your happiness and the capacity for thanksgiving are distinctly bound up together.

C. S. Lewis explains, "It’s possible to give thanks in everything: if it’s good, simply because it’s good; if it’s bad, because it works in us to produce patience, humility and hope." Giving thanks for what is good is easy, but the real challenge comes in trying to utter words of thanksgiving for unpleasant and painful experiences.

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s words of encouragement for facing difficult times. "Be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all situations, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." A sense of joy can parallel difficult times as you rest assured that God’s intention is for good to spring forth in all you experience.  

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We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks for the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light.

~Colossians 1:9, 11-12 Good News Bible