Introduction
Everyday, human being on earth have a reason to say thank you to someone for doing a thing or two for him or her.
Though most times we neglect certain things, but I tell you that the fact that you sleep and wake up every morning is enough reason to show gratitude to God who made it possible.
What is Gratitude?
The word gratitude is not new to us, we hear and use it in our everyday life circumstances. Gratitude is an act of expressing Thanksgiving. It is an act of praise, the quality of showing how appreciative we are over a thing or a person. Throughout life's trials and blessings, displaying a general attitude of gratitude distinguishes the Christian, but it also makes you a lovely person to be around.
Exploring the teachings of Bible on showing gratitude we see how David gave God thanks in Psalms. Ps.118.24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. It therefore implies that we should be thankful when we wake up to a new day, because everyday is a gift from God Himself. In Psalm 150 vs 6, we are told that everything that has breath should praise God, what a command from God, for the breath you have, the Bible says we should be thankful.
Imagine how you feel when you are appreciated for performing a task for someone, maybe a friend or parent, a husband or wife, this is the same way God feels when you appreciate him. I can remember at a time when I helped my father in his business, he gave me more than I even asked when I was about returning back to school.
Gratitude is an act of praising God, Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time. Imagine a king on his throne who is receiving praise from his elders, etc, how do you think he would feel?
Examples of some who showed gratitude in the bible
Our role model, Jesus always gave thanks to His father. Jesus gave thanks to God before distributing the bread and fish to five thousand people who came to hear him teach (John 6:11). Even till death, He was thankful.
Another good example is the Leper who returned from 10 lepers that were healed. Ten lepers came to Jesus and asked him to heal them. Jesus sent them to the priests, and they were all healed along the way. Only one of the ten healed people returned to thank Jesus and he was made totally whole (Luke 17:11-19).
In the book of 1 Samuel 2vs 1-10, Hannah gave a very long prayer after the birth of Samuel. She was very thankful to God. We can go on and on.
Why then should we be thankful?
Gratitude makes you happier, in thankfulness, you are counting your blessings everyday.
Gratitude builds stronger relationships,
It helps improve productivity
It improves mental health
Gratitude glorifies God
Gratitude deepens our faith in God
Gratitude bring contentment
Being thankful helps you build a stronger positive mentality and makes you feel relax
Some ways to show gratitude to God
Building out relationship with God
Praise and worship
Through our service to Him
Through prayers
Conclusion
Showing gratitude is one sure way of attracting more blessings. Having a gratitude practice looks different to everyone. It is pertinent that we be consistent in showing gratitude to people and to God our maker because the benefits that come with gratitude cannot be exhausted.
Gratitude cuts across all works of life, business, etc.
