Spiritual Work of Gratitude

To be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives—the good as well as the bad, the moments of joy as well as the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections—that requires hard spiritual work. Still, we are only truly grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment. As long as we keep dividing our lives between events and people we would like to remember and those we would rather forget, we cannot claim the fullness of our beings as a gift of God to be grateful for. Let’s not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see in it the guiding hand of a loving God.” —Henri J. M. Nouwen, Bread for the Journey

Gratitude is not just an occasional response to blessings but a way of life that aligns us with God's will. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul reminds us to give thanks in everything—not just in moments of joy, but also in trials. This command may seem difficult, especially when circumstances feel overwhelming. Yet, thanksgiving shifts our perspective from our problems to God's presence, reminding us that He is always working for our good. When we choose gratitude, even in hardship, we demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to use every situation for His purposes. Living with a heart of gratitude transforms the way we experience life. It helps us focus on God's faithfulness rather than our frustrations. When we cultivate thankfulness, we become more aware of His daily blessings—both big and small. Gratitude fosters peace, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to God. As we make thanksgiving a habit, we align ourselves with His will, reflecting the joy and contentment found in Christ. No matter what we face, we can rest in the assurance that God is with us, and that alone is reason to give thanks. —DH