We’ve all heard the adage—the attitude of gratitude—and yes, gratitude is a state of mind. But with a spiritual lens gratitude is actually a gift of great power. A gift that is only discovered by being present in the moment. By taking time to look for something we can appreciate and celebrate. To see and acknowledge that this something has value.
All too often we get stuck in the discontentment of life. We wrestle with not enough and allow our thoughts to compete with what should be versus what actually is. But God has a gift for us—one of power and perspective that goes far beyond our human capabilities.
2 Corinthians 4:7 describes it as a treasure to be discovered.
The gift of gratitude offers a sense of stability when we are unsure or unsteady in an area of our life. It also has the capacity to offer peace in the midst of tension. And power in our weakness. And yet, this gift hides in the shadows of gratitude. So in order to access the surpassing greatness of power in any kind of present pain we will need to do a little work to unwrap it and unpack it.
Start small. Use these three prompts to help you develop a practice of gratitude—pause, ponder and praise. It’s a simple as that. Offer your disappointment to God. Ask Him to give it back with a new perspective. This mental shift will transform how you endure the difficult parts of life by allowing spiritual perspective to inform your thoughts and produce a peace that settles your restless soul.
My guess is by doing this very simple practice of inviting God’s presence to influence your perspective of the present pain you will discover the joy hidden within the shadows of gratitude.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.“ (2 Corinthians 4:7)
- Choose one area of discontentment in your life and give it to God. Ask Him to help you see it through a different lens.
- Try shifting your thoughts when this specific discontentment starts to take over and challenge yourself to look for the good in the present moment.
- Use the 3 P’s to help you remember the gift of right now—pause, ponder, praise.
Prayer is just a conversation with God. Talk to Him about what you learned and what you need from Him today.
Be bold. Be brave. Be free.
Dori
Get THE CRAVE COACH App today [FREE download] Real-time help for right-now cravings!