Gratitude Keeps Me Free: 3 Ways to Cultivate Gratitude
God has been teaching me that one of the ways I walk in freedom is by pursuing and cultivating a life of gratitude. This is different than making a gratitude list, and these 3 simple ways are a catalyst for breakthroughs that lead to a life of freedom.
Remembering cultivates gratitude.
I remember my past, my story, and how hopeless things were before God transformed me. I don’t dwell on the past anymore. I no longer have pity parties for my past, and I certainly don’t glorify my sin from the past. What remembering my past means to me is reflecting on what life used to look like so that I can be thankful for the life he has given me now. One of the best birthday gifts I have ever received was a 5 year journal. This journal has allowed me to look back every day to see how far I’ve come and what I have to be grateful for.
Certainly it’s not a perfect life. What I do have are such wonderful friends and family, an incredible church, and hopes, dreams, and passions worth pursuing. When I remember where I’ve come from and where I am now, I can’t help but be grateful, even on the messy days.
Sharing cultivates gratitude.
Sharing with my story and what God has done in my life with others keeps me free. It is like remembering, but I find sharing produces an even greater harvest of gratitude and faith. It encourages others to hear about the power of God. Whenever I share what He has done, I also feel like I receive the greater blessing. The Bible says we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimonies. I overcome when I make the choice to speak of my healing and freedom- and the gratitude starts flowing. When I speak of His goodness, I can’t keep that gratitude contained or hidden. It comes pouring out.
I choose to thank God.
I thank God even on the hard days, and for things that don’t turn out the way I hope. It’s not easy, and I don’t do it perfectly. Sometimes I even do it with tears streaming down my face. When I thank him for the hard day, or for not getting the job promotion, or for whatever disappointment comes my way, it slowly but steadily turns into gratitude, because its another opportunity to draw near and trust in Him. The more I feel my need for God, the more opportunities I have to see His presence and miracles show up in my life. I’m always grateful for His presence.
Remember, share, and thank God to cultivate a life of gratitude.
Don’t dwell on your yesterdays, but don’t forget them either. As you remember what God has done in your life, your heart will begin to swell with gratitude for all He’s done in you and for you. Sharing will encourage you and those who are hear your story will be blessed. And thanking God in every circumstance will empower you to continue walking in freedom. Gratitude keeps you free!