Chaplain’s Corner

Attitude of Gratitude

Do you believe that you can choose your attitude? Or does your attitude choose you? If you can choose your attitude … choose an attitude of gratitude!

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

 

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Why is being thankful so important?

1. Gratitude will affect your attitude – People who approach life with a sense of gratitude are constantly aware of the things in their life that are great! They recognise these things more quickly than the things in their life that are not so great. Imagine waking each day and taking a few moments to take a quick stocktake… what am I thankful for?... A new day! New opportunities. Family. A roof over my head, food on the table, meaningful work. A car so I don’t have to walk. So many things, if we just a take a moment to recognise them.
2. Gratitude is like an emotional muscle – It grows and strengthens with intentional use! Your ability to identify and be grateful for even the smaller things, matures and develops over time. Having an attitude of gratitude requires intentionality, just like going to the gym every day, or choosing to eat well. At first you may notice very little difference but once you have developed the habit, significant change can be identified!
3. People like to be around grateful people – Why? Because they notice you and they are appreciative you. They provide words of encouragement and support. They help you to see the positives in everyday life. They can also be contagious. Want your children to demonstrate more thankfulness? Be an intentionally thankful person, when you pray with them at night, or say grace before dinner. Begin with
4. Words of thanks – Watch over the years as both you and they begin to reshape your thinking, your speech and in turn your actions.
5. Gratitude is closely related to happiness – Studies show that people who feel gratitude report being happier. Happier people are grateful! Grateful people are happier! There is something to this!

It’s God’s will for you, in all circumstances to find reasons to be grateful! Not for the sake of it, not just because it seems like the right thing to do, not just because someone told you to but because God knows it will do your spirit good.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says to:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

The more you find to be grateful for, the easier you find it to be grateful, and before you know it, it has become a strong and influential 

God bless,

Pastor Matt Daly

College Chaplain