The Bible never commands us to feel grateful. God knows that our feelings often follow our actions.
He tells us to give thanks, knowing that as we continue to do so we will begin to feel thankful.
Like worship, gratitude has a special connection to joy. A godly response when we are joyful is to express gratitude to the Lord for His goodness. Joy often creates gratitude, but the opposite is also true: gratitude generates joy.
Gratitude is the key that releases joy in our lives.
When we give God thanks, He gives us joy. Gratitude opens a wonderful pipeline to God. When our thanks are lifted to Him, He pours down joy. It is an easy principle to forget.
When situations snatch away our joy, we feel like doing anything except thanking God, but that is exactly what we need to do.
Reflect in Scripture
- Where should our focus be? Read Psalm 126:2-3, Joel 2:21, Acts 14:17, and Hebrews 12:2.
- For what should we thank God? Read Matthew 14:19, John 11:41, 2 Corinthians 2:14 and 9:15, and 1 Timothy 1:12.
- List other things you can thank God for, adding Scriptures when possible.
Excerpted from Keys to Joy: How to Unlock God’s Gift of Lasting Happiness.