"Gratitude is a Matter of the Heart”

“A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” (author unknown)

While we may not know who penned this quote, there’s a lot of truth to it. The truth is, gratitude isn’t a “man idea” it’s a “God idea.”

Psalmists declared it.

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalms 106:1

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” Psalms 105:1

Apostles gave instructions about it.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 18-5:16

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 7-4:6

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 20-5:18

We can clearly see that being thankful is God’s will for us. I believe a good reason for this is there is release in gratitude. There is a release of faith believing God will move on our behalf before we can physically see it. There is a release of joy because we begin to trust the One who loves us and who can (and will) carry our burdens. Gratitude releases peace because as we saturate each day with prayer and overflowing gratitude, God’s wonderful peace goes beyond human understanding and it guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Challenge: Start a “Gratitude Journal.” Each day, write down at least three things you are thankful for. Then record the miracles that begin to happen because of a grateful heart.