Just for fun I Googled “strategies that lead to a satisfying life.” Of course numerous articles popped up, offering a multitude of suggestions. One article listed twenty ways for achieving fulfillment.
But researchers have determined it takes sixty-six days on average to develop a new habit (1). That means twenty new habits would require concentrated effort for nearly four years. Sounds daunting, doesn’t it.
However, as you’ve already noted from the title of this post, it is possible to turn a humdrum life into exceptional with just one strategy: gratitude to God.
But how can one simple act make such a difference?
I’ll explain in a moment. First, let’s identify the key word in that statement above: God. Without someone to thank, gratitude is pointless. And he is responsible for every good gift in our lives. By thanking God for his blessings, we unlock the fullness of life (2).
Here’s how it happens:
Gratitude fosters joy and contentment.
When we aim to thank God for the benefits he bestows, the delightful encounters he provides, and the beauty he’s created, we soon realize our days overflow with his gifts. And each one gives reason to smile.
Gratitude leads to peace.
Remember Isaiah 26:3? “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you” (ESV). Gratitude to God is a delightful way to stay focused on him and thereby calm our hearts into serenity.
Gratitude contributes to resiliency.
Researchers Tennen and Afflek (2002) found that when people express gratitude even while suffering adversity or trauma, they tend to persevere with greater strength than those who don’t practice thankfulness (3).
John MacArthur beautifully described the phenomenon with this bit of imagery:
“No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.”
Gratitude increases our trust in God.
We can begin with grateful remembering of his marvelous deeds in the past, to form a foundation of faith for the present. Also, by expressing thankfulness in difficult circumstances and gratefully acknowledging God’s support and supply, our perspective is transformed.
I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
–Psalm 12:5-6
And when all of these results-of-gratitude are present in one person—effervescent joy, sublime contentment, luminous peace, buoyant resiliency, and unshakable trust—we see an exceptional life.
It all begins with gratitude.
When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether
you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.
–G. K. Chesterton
And how do we learn to take things with gratitude?
Researchers have studied that too, and found gratitude journals to be highly effective (4).
They suggest keeping a record of pleasurable observations and positive experiences such as:
- Happy squeals of neighbor children as Daddy pushes their swings
- An overcast day made cozy with glowing candles, simmering soup, and rain thrumming on the roof
- Being taught by a seven-year old granddaughter how to add two-digit numbers in a new and clever way
- Those places where God has brushed all of autumn’s colors in one swath
Gratitude bestows . . .transcendent moments of awe
that change forever how we experience life and the world.
–Sarah Ban Breathnach
So instead of wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Day, blog-friends, I pray for you an exceptional life–of gratitude!
____________________________
If you keep a gratitude journal, please share your experience in the comment section below. How has it contributed to an exceptional life for you?
Notes:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-form-a-habit#takeaway
- James 1:17 and https://melodybeattie.com/gratitude-2/
- https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-happiness-research/
- https://www.pointloma.edu/resources/counseling-psychology/what-good-gratitude-role-thanksgiving-personal-development
Photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.needpix.com; http://www.pikrepo.com; http://www.canva.com; Nancy Ruegg (3).
From the Inside Out 