Gratitude meets God’s presence

 

Last Sunday, I encountered a moment that filled me with God’s presence; all I could feel was deep gratitude. I ran into someone I had not seen in about 18 years. She was connected to me through my first husband, and when we divorced, I lost contact with a large group of people, not by choice but by the division that the divorce created. 

When we saw each other, we both felt such immense love.  A huge, tight embrace followed, and we were both emotionally overwhelmed. I felt such joy at that moment. Many hugs continued to follow. As I think of this encounter, I can only rejoice in God’s glory and His plan for us to reunite. I left our meeting with a whole heart of gratitude. 

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.     

Psalm 118:24

God’s Presence 

Gratitude can open up a whole new world for you. It can allow you to feel a joy so indescribable and so immense.

Gratitude is the entry into God’s presence. 

Being grateful opens up a world where you see things differently. What may seem so difficult can become manageable when you remember who is in charge and express gratitude. Give thanks in the good and bad times because even though we may not see it, something good always surrounds us. 

Gratitude= positive mindset

A gratitude practice has helped me create a positive mindset that sets my day. 

Each day, I think of ten things for which I can be grateful. When I developed my gratitude practice, it changed my mindset. If I am not feeling the best one day, I will always go to the positive. It has created a habit of noticing the goodness and blessings around me. There was a time when I could go through the whole day complaining about what was wrong. Gratitude has shifted that mindset and changed my life. 

Be Intentional with your Gratitude

 Being intentional every day and focusing on what you are grateful for begins to put life into perspective. There is an immense about of joy that can overflow within you. An inexplicable feeling fills you when you spend time sitting in the blessings that fill your life. 

It does not take away the pain from the struggles that you have had or the grief you may be living with, but it is the decision to choose to be grateful in the midst of it all. It is the intentionality of looking for the good in your day, even when difficult. 

A grateful heart produces a joyful heart. 

The more you practice gratitude, the more you recognize around you, the more you focus on goodness, and the more it creates a positive mindset. 

When you notice the little and big things, you start to feel inner peace and joy that continues to grow. A calm and joy that you begin to crave. 

In everything, give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thessalonians 5:18

So, my friend, I challenge you to begin living with a grateful heart and discover the joy that will fill your life. 

Give thanks for love.

Express gratitude for the beauty of the day. 

Be thankful for the normal. 

Appreciate the laughter.

Give thanks for the small stuff.

Appreciate the big moments.

Give thanks for the trying times. 

Even be thankful for the tears. 

No matter the circumstance, there is always something to be grateful for. 

Live with a grateful heart.