Your gratitude lists mean nothing…
…unless they occur during the good and the bad times of life.
As counselors, we’ll be the first to encourage people to cultivate a mindset of gratitude. It’s wild how much of an effect it can have.
Unfortunately, the effects are sometimes short lived. Not because being thankful isn’t important, but because we don’t sustain it in our lives.
St. Paul writes: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
The key part of that verse is when St. Paul says “all circumstances”.
Gratitude is the most impactful when it exists during the best and the hardest times of our lives.
It allows us to see beyond ourselves, and towards the God who loves us.
Don’t get me wrong, be gracious when life is good is also important.
However, we need to make gratitude a foundational part of our lives, even when we are in the midst of struggle.
The principle message from St. Paul is that God invites us to know him further by appreciating his love while we are in the midst of hardship. We need to understand how he sustains us despite our trials.
You can write down what you’re grateful for and reflect on it daily. Or if you prefer, you can vocalize it during your prayer.
Either way, create a spirit of gratitude and cultivate it despite what your life looks like. You will be amazed at how much closer to God you feel and how much more balanced your mental health becomes.
Your gratitude lists mean nothing.