BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog
December 2022
An Attitude of Gratitude
By: Shanna Wills “Her FAITH Story”
AS THE YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE….
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV
Seemingly the words grateful, thankful, blessed have been an ongoing cliche’ trend of words, tossed around especially during this time of year. When I think about my life and all the situations and obstacles that God has brought me through, these are the words that I would personally choose to sum up the attitude that I strive to have toward everything that I’ve been through. Life can throw some pretty hard blows at times and I’ve realized the attitude of gratitude or the lack thereof makes a difference! Gratitude is the quality of being thankful or the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. It turns what we have into enough.
Gratitude as a lifestyle
Cultivating a lifestyle of thankfulness has many benefits. Giving gratitude to God for all the things that he has done in my life has brought such peace in the time of chaos. Feelings and mindsets of fear, doubt, anxiety, depression and so much more were defeated. I can recall a time where I was suspended from my job for three days as a result of a false accusation. I could have been down in the dumps about it, however I just began to praise and thank God in advance for the outcome. Three days later I received a call and was told that I could return to work and that I would be paid for the time off because they were not able to substantiate the accusations. It is my belief that the simple act of me celebrating Jesus and giving thanks to him in spite of changed the outcome of my situation. I will be the first to say that I have not perfected the art of a grateful lifestyle. I have fallen short many times but it is a daily goal that I strive to maintain an attitude of gratitude.
THROUGH THE HARD TIMES…REMAIN GRATEFUL
Many times it can be hard to be grateful especially when times are hard. Seemingly it would make me feel better to just grumble and complain. Although that seems right, it’s not the answer. In Ps. 77:11-12 the writer Asaph says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” This came a few verses after him venting. What this says to me is that he had to encourage himself and be grateful (to God) even in the midst of hardship and things not going his way. When we take on an attitude of gratitude especially when things aren’t going the way we would like them to, it invites God into our situation and gives him the opportunity to get the Glory in and through it. It also lifts our spirit and brings us out of feelings or despair
WHEN SCIENCE & GOD ALIGNS
From a scientific standpoint, maintaining an attitude of gratitude boosts the levels of dopamine. Dopamine is the feel good neurotransmitter that is released in our brain and is the one most affected by gratitude. It’s no wonder that God would tell us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Practical ways to apply an attitude of gratitude:
>>Singing songs of praise to GOD
>>Thankful journal-writing down daily 3-5 things your thankful for and why
>>Finding the good in the bad on purpose and meditate on it
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