5 Gifts You Get From Gratitude

Who do you know that exudes gratitude? Some people are thankful to God no matter what their circumstances may be and have a natural way of making others feel seen, appreciated, and uniquely loved.

For others, it doesn’t come so naturally. But Psalm 100:4 tells us to be thankful and say so (AMPC). By choosing to live with a spirit of thanksgiving, we can all learn to exude gratitude—and the benefits of doing so are many! Check out these five gifts that gratitude gives you.

1. Increased energy and joy.

   Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…The joy of the Lord is your strength”—and we can give ourselves a mood boost at any moment by choosing to notice the good things He is doing in our lives! Our joy can increase dramatically as we acknowledge God’s presence and begin to take notice of our blessings. Making a list of them in a notebook or journal helps us realize how blessed we are, and this mindset gives us strength and joy.



2. Real emotional resilience.

   Do you know that gratitude is really a form of worship? We get stronger each time we give thanks to God (Psalm 100:4). So, get out there and talk about what He’s doing in your life! Sing songs of praise and speak out scriptures that stir up your faith. All that positive talk will help you make a firm decision to minimize the negatives (what’s missing in your life) and magnify the positives (all the ways you’re truly blessed).



3. Greater blessings

   It’s easy to get into a habit of complaining about the things we don’t have or aren’t happy with in life. We can quickly find ourselves filled with bitterness, resentment, and jealousy. However, God gives us the cure. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; and…I shall show the salvation of God” (AMP). When we are thankful, it opens the door for God to answer our prayers and bring blessings into our lives. God’s blessings travel on the road of thanksgiving!



4. Successful relationships.

   First Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. Even small expressions of gratitude can turn any relationship into a happier, more rewarding one. These touchstone moments can lead to much-needed conversations, meals shared between friends, and an atmosphere of unity and love. The truth is, the more gratitude you give away, the more fulfilling your life can become!



5. The satisfaction of self-love.

   There’s nothing more important than your inner life—what’s inside your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Living with “an attitude of gratitude” not only fosters deeper connections with others, but it also improves your relationship with yourself! No matter how small, each seed of gratitude you sow is a happy reminder of God’s grace and lovingkindness working through you—and that’s something to celebrate!

What If All You Need Is a New Lens?

No matter how messy and uncertain life seems, God can make it beautiful. Joyce's book The Power of Thank You offers answers to help you give your burdens to God and live from a place of genuine thanksgiving. Take a step today that can change your whole perspective on life!