Thank Outside the Box

I challenge you to be a person of action. When someone has blessed your life, take a few moments to send a card, call them on the phone or even send a text message. Why? Because those few moments out of your schedule—that simple action—can completely transform their day!

I think many times we assume people know how we feel, or we think they don’t need to be encouraged. People frequently come up to me and say, “I know you hear this all the time, but your teaching has changed my life.”

Now, I’m not a person who lacks confidence, but if I stopped receiving words of encouragement, it probably wouldn’t be long before I was fighting discouragement.

Always remember: Whether it seems like it or not, everyone has a basic need to feel appreciated.

Magnify the Good

Years ago, I was one of the most negative, critical people I knew. Complaining just came naturally for me—I was good at it! Unfortunately, it was also stealing my joy and making me impossible to live with.

Over time, God helped me understand an important principle: What we focus on has the ability to make us happy or miserable. We can either dwell on the negative things in life, or we can choose to magnify the good.

The old saying, “Count your blessings” is terrific advice. Regularly taking inventory of what God has done for us releases new faith, hope and joy. It also breathes new life into our circumstances and relationships.

For example, I have watched God time and again heal troubled marriages. Usually, one or both of the partners make a decision to stop complaining and purposely focus on the good things about their spouse.

Just imagine if everyone decided to regularly tell others everything they like about them. So many of our problems would be solved! A thankful, appreciative attitude is a healing balm…and it can often accomplish more in our lives and relationships than we ever thought possible.

Attitude Determines Altitude

I can tell you from experience that people simply love to be around someone who is appreciative and grateful.

Over the years, my husband, Dave, and I have had the privilege of employing many wonderful people at Joyce Meyer Ministries. And, without fail, we are always drawn to those who have great attitudes—employees who are happy, cheerful and grateful. In short, they are the employees that we refuse to do without!

You see, when you walk through life with an “attitude of gratitude,” you make yourself indispensable because you add value everywhere you go. Giving thanks bestows favor and opens doors that otherwise wouldn’t be open. I believe this applies to our relationship with the Lord as well.

Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (NIV).

Maintaining a grateful heart is a vital part of prayer. I believe when we ask God for things with a thankful attitude, He delights in giving us more.

Years ago, I would make my list and ask God for all the things I wanted…all the while complaining about the things I already had. I’ll never forget what the Lord spoke to my heart one day during my prayer time:

“Joyce, if you’re not thankful for what you have now, why should I give you more to complain about?”

That got my attention!

We often look for some new or impressive way to have a better life when, many times, it comes down to a simple attitude adjustment.

I encourage you to be a person of gratitude. Give thanks…and say so (Psalm 107:1). Determine to celebrate the positive in every situation. Because when you do, you release the power of God’s goodness into your life and those around you.