Surely you’ve met them—those glowing saints whose eyes always twinkle, smiles always dazzle, and whose faith and attitude always inspire. We’re left wondering, how did they grow that glow?
No doubt it begins with strong trust in Christ, cultivated by scripture-study and prayer. They apply what they’ve learned about:
- Giving all their concerns to God, knowing he truly cares
- Focusing on the positive, the joyful, the beautiful
- The pleasure of giving such gifts as time, encouragement, and a listening ear
- Practicing God’s presence to experience his peace, strength, and more [1]
But researcher Michael Zigarelli discovered another reason why godly saints radiate joy: gratitude. He found that expressing continual gratitude to God actually energizes the practice of other spiritual disciplines, and altogether they contribute to growing that saintly glow [2].
Insightful author, Ann Voskamp concurs:
“The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world” [3].
In addition, author and theologian Warren Wiersbe would have us know:
“That’s all fine and good,” someone might say. “But right now I see very little to be thankful for. We’ve had one financial setback after another, my job is more stressful than ever, our son is having a hard time in school, and my brother and sister-in-law just announced they’re separating. ‘See what I mean?”
Yes, we do. Some seasons of life include multiple troubles all at once.
But take note of this good news: simply expressing thankfulness (even if we don’t feel grateful) has been proven to create positive change in our brain chemistry [4].
And we find: continual gratitude contributes to a sense of WELL-BEING.
Another surprise?
Continual gratitude provides HEALING for the wounds of distress [5] —especially appreciation for who our Savior God is and what he has done.
Think of it: He created all things! He sustains all things! He has supremacy over all things! He is our Emmanuel (God with us), our Good Shepherd, our Wonderful Counselor, and so much more [6]!
God hears us as we pray, loves us with an everlasting love, empowers us through the Holy Spirit, fills us with hope, and anchors us through the storms of life [7].
And as we cultivate continual gratitude for such realities, we find PEACE.
The truly thankful person
is a truly peaceful person.
—Lysa TerKeurst [8].
It makes sense. The more we thank God for all the benefits he bestows, the firmer our faith-stance in his competence to sustain us.
Third, continual gratitude cultivates JOY.
Turn [your] eyes toward Jesus and everything shines—
even the tough spots morph into excitement. . .
How is he going to solve my problem this time? . . .
When I am consciously aware of him,
life fills with wonder and wonder brings joy [9].
What better way to remain aware of God and expand joy-inducing wonder than with gratitude?
Last, continual gratitude “lays out planks of TRUST” [10].
Think of all the moments he’s been faithful, when:
- an impossible situation worked out amazingly well
- a potentially difficult conversation turned out to be restorative and beneficial
- an inspired idea came to mind that cleverly solved a problem
- a surprising bargain materialized, supplying a current need
- a string of just-so-happened circumstances provided the answer to a prayer
Yes, some will call these coincidences. Around here we call them God-incidences, because “whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” [11].
And every time we acknowledge such gifts of provision, protection, and guidance, we lay another plank of trust, constructing a strong bridge of faith from yesterday into tomorrow [12].
Now we know. Each of us can grow a glow as we embrace the power of gratitude.
And isn’t November—with Thanksgiving just a few weeks away—the perfect month to grow that glow a little bit brighter?
[1] 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:8; Acts 20:35; Isaiah 26:3 NLT
[2] https://godsmissionarychurch.org/2018/10/26/growing-through-thankfulness/
[3] One Thousand Gifts, 58.
[4] https://www.focustsoul.com/blog/signs-of-maturity-in-christ-part-1-gratitude-and-joy
[5] https://cct.biola.edu/spirituality-suffering-gratitude/, emphasis added
[6] Colossians 1:15-20; Matthew 1:23; John 10:14; Isaiah 9:6
[7] 1 Peter 3:12; Jeremiah 31:3; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 6:19
[8] Embraced, 256.
[9] Deanna Chadwell, Soul Bare, 82-84.
[10] Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, 151.
[11] James 1:17 NLT
[12] Voskamp, 152.
Art & photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.shutterstock.com.
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Oh, Nancy, I’ve been so blessed to meet those persons who absolutely glow with the Holy Spirit, no matter their age or circumstances. And I’m a firm believer in giving thanks to God in every situation, knowing He blesses us in the good times and walks through with us in the bad. I’m sure before November is up, I’ll pen a post about the value of living life with a gratitude attitude. Thanks for you marvelous inspiration here!
I’ve been blessed to meet a number of glowing saints myself. I love the way they leave a bit of their glow behind, lifting the spirits of those they have contact with. / I’ll look forward to your post about a gratitude-attitude, Martha! / And praise God you found inspiration here!
Your posts always enlighten and inspire me, Nancy. Blessings always!
Oh, thank you dear Martha. Praise God you find enlightenment and inspiration here!
Oh, and keep glowing!!!
Thank you Martha–and you too, my friend!
A truth that can never be overstated or said too often, Nancy!
Thank you, Mitch! P.S. I must have been mistaken about receiving notification of your replies to my comments over at your blog. I’ve received notice of the last two at least. I’ll try to pay close attention to any future irregularities for your “research!”
I do believe I’d need sun glasses if I were to meet you, Nancy. Your sharing of important Christian values is outstanding. Thank you! 🙂
Oh my, Nancy–I’m blushing! Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you find the posts here to be worthwhile (at least a percentage of them)! 😁 As always I must say, ‘Praise God!’ He never fails to inspire a topic each week, and then helps me flesh it out.
You’re welcome, Nancy. And, yes, praise God! 🙂
Nicely put, Nancy! There are times when we are overwhelmed and struggling to survive, but when we focus on God and His character we can see how much bigger He is than the problems are.
Amen, Linda–good point! It’s so wonderfully reassuring to know our heavenly Father is ALL-knowing, ALL-wise, and ALL-powerful!
Expressing gratitude helps me to practice the presence of Jesus
Oh yes–you’ve reminded me of 2 Corinthians 3:18. As we behold the glory of Christ, we begin to reflect that glory, which certainly contributes to a believer’s saintly glow. Thanks for adding that, Matt!
Gratitude changes attitude! Gratefulness is definitely a matter of the heart. Thank you for encouraging and uplifting posts!
You’re welcome, Pam! The more I learn about gratitude, the more I understand how powerful this practice is for uplifting our attitude. No wonder the word “rejoice” appears in the Bible more than 300 times!
[…] was interesting for me to read Nancy’s blog post about gratitude Grow That Glow yesterday because as I was catching up with bloggers, I was sitting in my coffee shop. The mood […]
Thank you so much, Matt, for including a link to my latest post on gratitude. I’m honored you found the article worthwhile; praise God for his inspiration!
It’s been a season for us and some of our family lately, a season where answers to prayer have come with some hardship. But even through the discomfort I thank God for His attention to my prayers. Answers show that He is hearing and working, and hardship is a valuable teacher. Gratitude, both for the answers and for the growth through pain, is so vital to our peace and joy. Your posts give me many reasons for gratitude, Nancy, and I so appreciate your wisdom.
And you are an encouragement to me, dear Patty! YOU share great wisdom in this comment–thanking God for the answers to prayer we’d hoped for, and the hardships he allows for our good. / Praise God you find reasons for gratitude here!
I am embarrassed to admit that recently I had a speeding ticket (for the first time in decades) that caused my insurance company to terminate my coverage. I was devastated and worried but I contacted my insurance agency and she told me that she was confident that she could find another company for my auto and home insurance. It took a month for her to work things out but the Lord came through. It turns out that my existing insurance company was preparing to increase their rates by 25%! The Lord was looking out for me (a God-incident for sure!) and when I went in to sign the papers, I learned that my agent was a born-again Christian. I am so grateful for my Salvation and the way the Lord works behind the scenes to my ultimate benefit and to His glory!
Wow–This is a perfect example of how God works behind the scenes for our benefit! Hallelujah! Thank you so much for sharing your story, Cheri. No doubt it will encourage others!
Nancy, I can feeling your glow from here! Thank you always for your timely inspiration, encouragement and life-giving words. ❤️
Aw, thank you Deb. As someone has said, how gracious God is in choosing to shine through imperfect, cracked pots! / I praise God you find inspiration and encouragement here. He is so faithful to lead, instruct, and influence our writing, isn’t he? May we always be attune to his Spirit!
Yes and yes. ❤️❤️
I love this Nancy!! ❤️ I noticed on Sunday the sign in front of the secular high school our church meets at said..”the simplest form of gratitude is joy!” I was amazed to see it at a high school!! I for one want to grow in the gratitude and wonder of out GREAT GOD! And you taught years ago there is power in praise ( and thanksgiving!) ❤️
I’m so glad you found this post meaningful, Lisa. May the people who pass that sign be inspired to take joy in all God’s benefits and blessings. Gratitude does indeed foster joy!
Gratitude looks good on all you choose to wear it! Certainly shifts our focus to HE who can, in the midst of our I ‘can’t’.
AMEN, R.H! That must be the secret behind the glow–when our focus is on God, we reflect HIS glow (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)!
I love the photos so much! Those faces, that autumn river scene. And, of course, the ever-timely encouragement to give thanks. Seems I cannot be reminded enough! Thank you, Nancyl.
Thank you, Laurie. It’s a grand posting-day when I can include just the right art or photos to support the text. For the gratitude journal: web sites that offer free, good-quality images! / With you I appreciate reminders to be grateful–they’re always welcome!