Do you ever long for a deeper spiritual connection to God? Or desire more unhindered joy in your life? If so, get ready to unleash the immense power of gratitude while unlocking a wellspring of blessings along the way. As thankfulness radiates from within, you will see how a grateful heart helps us draw closer to God and inspires more joy.
Let’s embrace gratitude, unlock its hidden potential, and embark on a journey filled with joy, closeness to God, and a heart overflowing with thanks. #gratitude #drawclosertoGod #joy Click To TweetUnderstanding the Power of Gratitude
In our world, it is easy to become consumed by our challenges and struggles. We often find ourselves longing for more, yearning for what we don’t have rather than appreciating the blessings already present in our lives. Sometimes, even in the busyness of life, this happens.
A Challenging Season
I found myself in this place last year. After coming out of a challenging season, my physical health declined, chronic pain set in, and mobility was limited. The places where my gratitude soared, joy flourished, and the presence of God was strong were no longer accessible to me.
A new me emerged and one I’m not proud of. All I saw was what was wrong, not only in my surroundings but in people. I felt distant from God, and joy dissipated into thin air. Have you ever been there?
It surprised me as I have written for years about choosing joy and gratitude in the unexpected. So, to let that grateful heart slip away even for a day was shocking.
Practicing Gratitude Shifts Our Mindset
However, through the practice of gratitude, we can shift our focus from lack to abundance, from despair to hope. Then, we begin to see that even in the midst of difficulties, there is still so much to be thankful for.
When we practice gratitude, we train our minds to seek out the positive aspects of our daily lives. Instead of dwelling on what we lack or isn’t going well, we shift our attention to what we have and what is going right. This mindset shift helps us cultivate contentment and appreciate the present moment. Then, as we acknowledge our gratitude towards God, something magical happens—we draw near to our Lord.
How A Grateful Heart Helps Us Draw Closer to God
Awareness God is Working
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you” to God for the good things that come our way. It is a way of life, a constant recognition of His abundant blessings in both the big and the small. It is an attitude that permeates our thoughts, words, and actions, shaping how we view the world. When we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, we become aware of the countless ways in which Jesus is at work in our lives, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
Recognize God’s Presence and Love
Through thankfulness, we nurture our relationship with God. As we seek to find reasons to be grateful, our hearts become attuned to His presence and love for us. Through gratitude, we can embrace the satisfaction of knowing that we are loved unconditionally by a God who cares for us deeply.
Trust Builds
We begin to see His hand in every situation, understanding that even in moments of pain or uncertainty, He is working for our good. This practice deepens our trust in Him and strengthens our faith, allowing us to draw closer to His heart.
We Remember God’s Faithfulness
Reflecting on past blessings, we remind ourselves of the countless times God has provided for us, protected us, and carried us through the challenges, drawing us towards God’s faithfulness.
Everything is a Gift
In moments of gratitude, we find ourselves drawn closer to God, gripped in a sense of awe and wonder as we notice His gorgeous creation. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from Him, and it fills us with a deep sense of thankfulness. This awareness shifts our perspective from what we don’t have to what we do.
Something beautiful and profound happens when we approach our relationship with God with a grateful heart. We begin to see His presence and blessings in every aspect of our lives, and our connection with Him deepens in ways we never imagined.
Gratitude can infuse your life with joy, deepen your faith, and inspire a sense of awe and wonder in the world around you. #gratitude #joy #faith Click To TweetGratitude as a Catalyst for Joy
Gratitude also opens the door to joy. As we journey toward thankfulness, we realize that it is not just a one-time practice but a way of life. It becomes a part of who we are, shaping our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. The more we express gratitude, the more we experience joy.
No Room for Negativity
There is little room for negativity or despair when we fill our hearts with thanksgiving.
Simple Moments
We become more aware of the beauty and goodness surrounding us and find joy in the simplest moments. We learn to savor the beauty of a sunrise, the laughter of loved ones, and the small miracles that unfold around us.
Joy is Contagious
A grateful heart can spread its contagious joy to those around us, creating a ripple effect of thankfulness and inspiring others.
Present Moment Joy
Moreover, embracing gratitude allows us to find joy in the present moment. Rather than constantly striving for more or longing for what is yet to come, a grateful heart helps us to appreciate the here and now. We become mindful of the beauty and wonder surrounding us, whether it is in the laughter of a loved one, the warmth of the sun on our skin, or the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal. By fully immersing ourselves in the present moment, we discover a deep well of joy that is always accessible.
Practical Tips to Cultivate a Grateful Heart
There are numerous ways to practice daily gratitude, and finding what works for you is vital. Here are five ways to keep gratitude and joy alive throughout the year.
- Start each day with a grateful heart (Tap here for information on our gratitude challenge during November.)
- Incorporate gratitude into your prayers
- Turn each complaint around
- Live in the moment with a grateful heart
- End your day with gratitude
You can read about these steps in detail in our post–“Five Ways to Keep Gratitude and Joy Alive.”
I encourage you to embrace the practice of gratitude wholeheartedly. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, both big and small, and express your thanks to God for all He has given you. Let gratitude become the guiding force in your life, nourishing your soul and lifting your spirit.
What ways have you found helpful to practice gratitude daily?
“In the journey of gratitude, the rewards are not limited to material blessings or external circumstances. The true reward lies in the transformation that takes place within us.”
—Maree Dee
A Grateful Heart
Cultivating a grateful heart can help us draw closer to God and uncover more joy. As we practice expressing our thankfulness to God, a sacred space within us is created, allowing God to enter and work wonders in our lives. Through the lens of gratitude, we see the blessings surrounding us, even amid challenges, which invites God’s presence into every moment, and our joy increases.
Open your heart, cultivate gratitude daily, and watch as you draw closer to God and discover more joy in ways beyond your wildest dreams.
How has a grateful heart helped you draw closer to God or inspired more joy?
Explore the essence of gratitude and its ability to draw us closer to God while igniting a wellspring of joy. #gratitude #joy Click To TweetEmbracing 30 Days of Gratitude
Discover how unlocking the power of thankfulness can help draw you closer to God and bring more joy into your life! Our 30-day gratitude workbook includes daily gratitude prompts, scriptures/quotes, and a place to record your thoughts. Available free during November 2023.
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Such true words Maree, sometimes, we just have to be grateful in difficult circumstances.
Thank you. Yes. Gratitude to God will carry us far. Maree
Gratitude sure does change our hearts and minds. I’m grateful for your ministry to us, Maree!
Thank you my sweet friend. I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. Maree
Gratitude really does leave us with no room for the grumblies. As thankfulness sprouts up from within us, we will see firsthand how a grateful heart helps draw us closer to God and inspires SO much more joy in us. Thank you for this beautiful post Maree Dee …
Donna, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving full of gratitude and joy. Maree
What a wonderful post Maree to remind us that joy & gratitude go hand in hand & are interchangable.
To answer your questions; yes I too have had one or two of those moments where my joy & gratitude have slipped, especially since living with Fibromyalgia (which is a chronic pain condition) for the past 18 years.
But I’m always reminded in those moments that we are human & John the Baptist also fell into this when he was imprisoned & in pain, sending a message to Jesus for His reassurance which Jesus gave gently, for He understood our fragility.
And my strategy to get past those moments is to remember, while giving thanks & praise, the amazing times that God has been vey present in my life & always is for He never leaves us which restores the light of His glory & grace!
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
Jennifer,
Thank you so much for leaving your comment. I loved being reminded of John the Baptist and Jesus’ gentle response.
I want you to know I admire you. You reflect joy amid your pain. We all learn from you. Blessings, Maree
Awww, thank you Maree for your kind encouragement. 🥰