Look up and be grateful: 5 scriptures to make you more joyful, thankful and blessed
Article By Marion Hall // EEW Magazine // Spiritual Empowerment
Do you find yourself perpetually stressed out and always complaining about one thing or another? Do you realize that ungratefulness only depresses you and blocks your blessings?
If you are tired of walking with your head hung low, venting about all that upsets you, and you’re ready to unlock the riches of God’s goodness reserved for the grateful, read these 5 verses to make you more joyful, thankful and blessed.
#1 “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
A favorable situation can cause a temporary mood spike, but it is the will of God for you to be consistently thankful and joyful—no matter the situation. Whether the season is calm or stressful, happy or sad, easy or difficult, stay in fellowship with God and remain steadfastly rooted in His word. This will strengthen and help you to do what pleases Him, which is being grateful in all circumstances.
#2 “Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1 (ESV)
Don’t ever let a negative situation cause your tongue to complain rather than praise and thank God. Even though the goings-on of life aren’t always good, God is good all the time, and He remains worthy of our thanks. Let what comes out of your mouth reflect your understanding of this truth.
#3 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
We often have the “tell God what you need” portion of this verse down pat. We go to Him with a me-me-me attitude and quickly forget about the part that says, “thank Him for all He has done.” If you’re unhappy with the way things are going, don’t worry or complain. Pray for change, but also, let the Lord know how much you appreciate the blessings you already have. The more you thank Him, the more He’ll bless you!
#4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 (NLT)
Imagine this scenario: One of your children enters your room saying how great you are and how grateful they are before asking for help. Another of your children barges in with a bad attitude, pointing out everything that is wrong, before asking for help. Which child would you more readily give generously to? Obviously, the thankful one, right? This verse and example remind you to enter God’s presence—first and always—with praise and thanksgiving on your lips. As the saying goes, “When praises go up, blessings come down.”
#5 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1 (NLT)
When you meditate on God’s faithfulness, it will instantly increase your gratefulness. Think about His amazing love and how He sent His son to die on the cross to save you from sin. Reminisce on the numerous ways throughout your history that God has extended His love and grace toward you. You will have no choice but to say, Thank You, Lord!
Walking around sad and perturbed with a negative attitude is a choice. Choose thanksgiving instead of complaining. Not only will you feel better, but your relationship with God will be better, and He’ll do far more for you than you ever thought possible.
