Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Gratitude Changes Things
When we make it a point to live in gratitude, it helps us to see things differently. We are more grateful for our lives, all that we have, and our loved ones. Gratitude helps us to see beauty in the world around us. It renews our hearts and opens our eyes to God’s goodness.
And gratitude helps us to persevere. If we live in a negative mindset, this will hold us back in many ways. However, when we choose to stay hopeful and live a life of gratitude, this fuels us on our journey. Gratitude helps us to live with our eyes expectantly towards Him.
When we walk in gratitude, it helps us to align our thoughts with God and His Word.
We believe that:
- God hears our prayers. – “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 17:6 NIV is just one example of countless Bible verses that tell us God hears our prayers.
- God keeps His promises. – “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” Psalm 12:6 NIV
- God is faithful. – “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” 2 Timothy 2:13 NLT
- Nothing is too difficult for God. – “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 NIV
- God supplies all our needs. – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
- God is good. – “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” Psalm 145: NIV
Gratitude helps us to stand strong against the enemy’s tactics because gratitude helps change our mindsets from defeat to victory.
“No matter how difficult the circumstances may seem around you, don’t give up! God is for you, and He is bigger than any trouble you may be facing. You can regain the territory the devil has stolen from you. If necessary, regain it one inch at a time, being thankful for and always leaning on God’s grace and not on your own ability to get the desired results.” – Joyce Meyer
Gratitude isn’t always easy. Especially in tough times. But gratitude alters many areas of our lives. It helps us to hold onto hope through the Lord. We have to make a decision to persevere. And living a life with gratitude towards the Lord helps us on that path.
Dear Jesus, please help us to persevere. Help us to see victory. Help us to hold onto hope. Please give us strength to keep pushing forward. We need You, every day. We are so thankful to know You are always there. The enemy will try to discourage us. But You are mightier than the enemy and You are mightier than anything we face. We love You and we are thankful for You, Lord. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
If you have time to listen to these messages by Jentezen Franklin, I think they are powerful. There are two and they are thirty minutes each. And some of what he says will overlap. That’s because the original sermon was longer than 30 minutes. In order to air it on TV in a 30 minute time slot, it gets split out into two messages. And they also repeat some portions so that the message isn’t lost if someone catches one of them and not the other… Sorry for the really long explanation 😅
https://jentezenfranklin.org/broadcasts/the-strategy-for-victory
https://jentezenfranklin.org/broadcasts/the-strategy-for-victory-part-2
I believe some strange shenanigans went on with my Tuesday post. If you missed it, here is the link – Adding Gratitude to Our Relationships. And today I am wishing a happy heavenly birthday to the grandma that I mentioned in that post. ♥️
Thank you all for reading. Please continue to pray for my family. Prayers are much needed and appreciated. And please share your prayer requests as well. (Either in the comments or email me at bridget@bridgetathomas.com.) God bless!
© 2018-2024 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.
Bridget A. Thomas 
I do believe gratitude impacts our daily lives and it has the power to transform. Great post!
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I agree. When we are facing difficulties it can be hard to embrace gratitude and praise. But those things will provide strength as we walk through the valley. Thank you, Rainer!
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I like to start my day by thanking God for the day and asking him to help me a blessing
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I love that. That is a powerful way to start the day. 😊
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Our mutual blogger friend, Pastor Pete, says “The joy of the Lord is a great escape strategy.” It’s the same with godly gratitude! We are able to reframe our circumstances from heaven’s perspective.
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That’s a great perspective. Too often human beings’ escape strategies are anything they can find to “numb out.” But the Lord offers us a better path.
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I think many folks are living under some type of dark cloud in their lives, whether health, depression, finances, or whatever, in ourselves or in loved ones.
Thank you for this encouragement. The Lord does lift us up. He may not take away the dark cloud because He wants to do a work in us; but He is ever present to meet our needs. I am grateful.
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That’s so true. It does seem like everybody is dealing with something. I agree – I too am grateful that the Good Shepherd is right there beside us in the valleys.
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Gratitude is a powerful tool we don’t use enough, not unlike prayer. 🙂
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Very true. The Lord gives us the tools we need. We just have to make the effort to embrace them. 🤗
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Amen 🤗
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🙏♥️
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Excellent scriptures! Thank you for sharing them. And gratitude does make a difference. There is always something to be thankful for, even in difficulties. When we’re hurting it’s harder to see, but there are still blessings. Thanks for the messages. I have not heard one of his sermons in a very long time. Praying for your family. Please continue to pray for me too as I continue to study for the CPA exams. Thank you! 💕
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Dawn, I’m glad you enjoyed the Scriptures. Nothing gets the point across better than God’s Word! I agree – even in painful seasons, we can find blessings. You’re welcome for the messages. Thank you for the prayers. And yes I am absolutely praying for you and for your studies and the exam 🙏🙏🙏
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Gratitude helps us to stand strong against the enemy’s tactics because gratitude helps change our mindsets from defeat to victory’ – yes and Amen 🙏🏽. I resonate with this statement. Gratitude is a powerful weapon against the enemy and also something that helps shift our perspective. Thank you my friend 💙
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This is something I need to remember, but often forget too quickly when difficulties arise. I’m glad for reminders that lead us back to truth. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Manu! 🤗
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I’m so thankful and full of gratitude that even when we go through tough times we can still choose to be positive because of His goodness and faithfulness.
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It’s not always easy, but I agree. We have a choice. And the Lord is always with us to help us along the way. 🤗
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The verses you shared are such a beautiful foundation for a grateful heart, and I agree, living in gratitude shifts us from defeat to victory. Thank you for this encouraging post and the heartfelt prayer. I’m praying for you and your family, trusting God to strengthen and guide you through every challenge.
Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing.
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I’m really grateful that the Lord gives us what we need. We just have to keep choosing Him and He helps us along the way. Thank you, Willie. God bless you!
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Amen
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