Friday, July 19, 2024

Have you ever wanted what you couldn’t have? It's an age old problem, one that Satan capitalized on on the garden of Eden (Genesis 3)

And while we may never be enticed by a snake, we are constantly subjected to advertising purposefully designed to create desire for the shiny new car, the Pinterest perfect house, or the soft cozy bed with the loving family piled in. And then there are the social media posts that make everyone’s summer look far more fun and exotic than you could even plan, much less do. It doesn’t take long before the tentacles of envy begin to slither into our heart and dismantle our peace. But, we aren’t without defense.

Ephesians 5:20
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gratitude for what we have short circuits the cycle of unfulfilled desire. And by consistently recognizing God’s generosity, we naturally recalibrate our center towards our reliance on him. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of consistent gratitude and findings show it improves sleep, boosts the immune system, helps minimize depression and more.

While some of us are naturally very grateful, many of us miss the small, simple things, and it takes practice to see all the little blessings that come your way. Here are a few ideas to help highlight all the amazing ways God provides each day. Choose one and try it for 21 days to lay down the formation of the habit.

• Keep a gratitude journal and add to it regularly - at least a few times a week. Bonus challenge: no repeats.
• At least once a day, thank someone for something specific. Whether it's your spouse making dinner or the bank teller being extra efficient.
• Search for a blessing in a negative situation and praise God for it.
• Praise God for one mundane thing each day—socks, a dishwasher, or even just the fact that your car started without hassle. Take note of all the goodness that surrounds you.
• Praise God for his creation! Find one thing each day that he created—a bird song, a lovely cloud in the sky or the brilliant green grass of spring.

Begin training yourself to see God’s goodness all around you as you journey at the pace of peace. And on days when it it is difficult to see, give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his mercy endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)