Attitude of Gratitude: A Choice

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude Shifts Our Focus from What Is Missing to What Is Present

Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling but a deliberate practice that transforms our perspective, especially when life feels overwhelming or negative. When we intentionally give thanks, praise, and rejoice, we move our attention away from what we lack or what is going wrong, and instead focus on the blessings and presence of God that are always with us. This shift is not about ignoring our struggles, but about choosing to see and celebrate what God is doing in our lives, even in the midst of difficulty. Practicing gratitude over time rewires our hearts and minds, leading to greater peace, joy, and resilience. [40:50]

Psalm 13:5-6 (ESV)
"But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you tend to focus on what is missing? How can you intentionally shift your focus today to recognize and thank God for what is already present?

Day 2: Gratitude Is a Choice, Not a Circumstance

No matter what we are facing—whether it’s daily frustrations, deep loss, or overwhelming challenges—gratitude remains a choice that we can make. The early Christians, and even believers today in places of persecution, demonstrate that gratitude is not dependent on circumstances but is a daily commitment to trust God’s goodness and faithfulness. Choosing gratitude is an act of faith that declares God is still worthy of praise, thanks, and joy, regardless of what is happening around us. [52:00]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or hardship you are facing. What would it look like for you to choose gratitude in the midst of it today?

Day 3: Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love

One of the greatest reasons for gratitude is the unshakeable truth that nothing—no hardship, loss, or failure—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Even when we feel alone or overwhelmed, God’s love remains constant and present, offering us security and hope. This assurance allows us to face any circumstance with confidence, knowing that we are deeply loved and never abandoned. [53:55]

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (ESV)
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: When have you felt distant from God’s love? How can you remind yourself today that nothing can separate you from His love, no matter what you are experiencing?

Day 4: God Works All Things Together for Good

Even when our situations seem hopeless or confusing, God is at work behind the scenes, weaving every circumstance—good or bad—into His greater purpose for our lives. This promise does not mean everything will be easy, but it assures us that God always gets the last word, not our circumstances. Trusting in this truth enables us to hold onto gratitude, knowing that God is using even our struggles for our ultimate good and His glory. [55:07]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: Recall a time when something difficult in your life eventually led to good. How can this memory help you trust God’s purpose in your current circumstances?

Day 5: God Is With Us Wherever We Go

We are not called to practice gratitude in our own strength; God Himself promises to be with us in every situation. His presence gives us courage to face hard things and empowers us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, even when it feels impossible. Remembering that God is with us—right now, in every moment—can transform our outlook and give us the strength to keep our eyes on Him. [55:54]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: Where do you most need to remember God’s presence with you today? How might acknowledging His nearness help you respond with gratitude in that area?

Sermon Summary

Gratitude is something we all desire, but it’s often most elusive when life gets hard. We naturally tend to focus on the negative—our brains are wired that way. One bad experience can overshadow a dozen good ones, and if we’re not careful, negativity can become the lens through which we see everything. But there is a way to break this cycle: practicing gratitude. Science confirms what God has always commanded—when we intentionally give thanks, our minds and hearts are transformed. Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a discipline that rewires our perspective, strengthens our relationships, and even improves our physical and mental health.

God’s commands to praise, rejoice, and give thanks are not meant to burden us, but to bless us. Over 700 times, Scripture calls us to gratitude—not because God needs our thanks, but because we need to remember what is always present, not just what is missing. When we focus on what we lack, we lose peace and joy. But when we choose gratitude, we shift our attention to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, which never change, no matter our circumstances.

The biblical call to gratitude is not written from an ivory tower. David, James, Paul, and Peter all wrote about rejoicing and giving thanks in the midst of deep suffering, persecution, and loss. Their lives were marked by hardship, yet they chose gratitude. Even today, believers around the world, like those in Nigeria who worship in burned-out churches, demonstrate that gratitude is a choice, not a product of easy circumstances.

Gratitude is a daily decision, a commitment to see God’s goodness even when life is hard. No matter what we face, we can always be grateful for three unshakeable truths: we belong to the unshakable kingdom of God, nothing can separate us from His love, and God always gets the last word over our circumstances. Choosing gratitude is not easy, but God promises to be with us, giving us the strength to do the hard work of shifting our focus from what is missing to what is always present—His presence, His love, and His faithfulness.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude shifts focus from lack to presence Gratitude is not about ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It’s about intentionally redirecting our attention from what we lack to what God has already provided. This shift brings peace and joy, even in the midst of difficulty, because it roots us in the reality of God’s ongoing faithfulness. [40:50]
2. Biblical gratitude is forged in hardship The call to rejoice and give thanks comes from people who suffered deeply—David, James, Paul, Peter, and countless others. Their gratitude was not theoretical; it was a hard-won discipline that grew in the soil of adversity. True gratitude is not the absence of struggle, but the choice to trust God’s goodness in the midst of it. [48:09]
3. Gratitude is a daily, intentional choice Gratitude doesn’t come naturally; it must be chosen and practiced, especially when life is hard. It’s a commitment to see God’s hand at work, to remember His promises, and to trust that He is still good. This daily choice transforms our hearts and shapes our lives, regardless of our circumstances. [52:00]
4. God’s love and kingdom are unshakeable No matter what we face, we are part of God’s unshakable kingdom, and nothing can separate us from His love. These truths anchor us, giving us reasons for gratitude that transcend our present struggles. Our circumstances may change, but God’s faithfulness and love remain constant. [53:27]
5. God always gets the last word Our situations do not have the final say—God does. He works all things for good for those who love Him, and His presence goes with us through every trial. Gratitude is possible because we know the end of the story: God’s victory, His goodness, and His unfailing presence. [55:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:34] - Introducing Attitude of Gratitude
[33:55] - Gratitude in Good and Hard Times
[34:20] - The Power of Negativity Bias
[36:10] - Personal Story: Travel Troubles
[37:33] - How Negativity Overshadows Good
[37:55] - The Science of Gratitude
[39:13] - Practicing Gratitude Changes Us
[40:02] - God’s Commands to Give Thanks
[40:50] - Shifting Focus: What’s Missing vs. Present
[41:18] - The Thief of Joy: Negativity
[43:01] - Real-Life Struggles and God’s Call
[44:12] - David’s Honest Lament and Shift
[46:31] - James, Paul, and Peter on Joy in Trials
[49:24] - Early Christians Lived Gratitude
[51:05] - Modern Examples: Nigerian Church
[52:00] - Gratitude as a Daily Choice
[53:27] - Three Unshakeable Reasons for Gratitude
[55:07] - God Gets the Last Word
[55:54] - God’s Presence in Every Circumstance
[56:18] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Attitude of Gratitude

---

### Bible Reading

Psalm 13:1-6 (ESV)

> How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
> How long will you hide your face from me?
> How long must I take counsel in my soul
> and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
> How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
> Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
> light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
> lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
> lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
> But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
> my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
> I will sing to the Lord,
> because he has dealt bountifully with me.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

> Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 (ESV)

> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

---

### Observation Questions

In Psalm 13, what emotions does David express before he shifts his focus to God’s steadfast love? ([44:12])
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what three actions are believers commanded to do, and in what circumstances? ([47:12])
In Romans 8, what kinds of hardships are listed as things that cannot separate us from the love of Christ? ([53:55])
The sermon mentions that God’s commands to give thanks and rejoice appear over 700 times in Scripture. What does this repetition suggest about the importance of gratitude? ([40:02])

---

### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think David is able to move from deep sorrow and questioning God to rejoicing and singing in Psalm 13? What does this reveal about the nature of biblical gratitude? ([45:36])
The sermon says that gratitude is not about ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. How does the Bible show us a way to be honest about our struggles while still choosing gratitude? ([45:50])
Paul and Peter both write about rejoicing and giving thanks in the midst of suffering. What does this teach us about the relationship between gratitude and difficult circumstances? ([48:09])
The sermon points out that nothing can separate us from God’s love and that His kingdom is unshakable. How might these truths help someone who is struggling to find reasons for gratitude? ([53:27])

---

### Application Questions

The sermon describes how negativity can overshadow even the best experiences. Can you think of a recent time when one negative event made you forget about many good things? How did it affect your attitude? ([37:33])
Practicing gratitude is described as a daily, intentional choice that doesn’t come naturally. What is one practical way you could start training your mind to focus on what God has provided rather than what is missing? ([39:13])
The sermon gives examples of believers in Nigeria worshipping in burned-out churches. What does their choice to praise God in hardship teach you about gratitude as a decision, not just a feeling? ([51:33])
When life feels overwhelming, the sermon suggests remembering three unshakeable truths: you belong to God’s kingdom, nothing can separate you from His love, and God gets the last word. Which of these truths do you find hardest to remember, and why? ([53:27])
The sermon says that God’s commands to give thanks are meant to bless us, not burden us. Have you ever experienced a time when choosing gratitude changed your perspective or brought you peace? What happened? ([40:22])
Think about a current struggle or disappointment in your life. What would it look like to practice gratitude in the middle of that situation this week? ([52:00])
The sermon mentions that gratitude can improve relationships and even physical health. Is there a relationship in your life that could benefit from more gratitude? What is one thing you could do or say to express thankfulness to that person this week? ([38:54])

Sermon Clips

And our enemies look a little different than what David was going through in this moment as he's fleeing from Saul inside of this text right here. But our enemies, right? We just talked about them. Our enemies are the traffic, right? Traffic's a real thing. It's the dirty diapers. It's the difficult relationships. It's the car problems, the home repairs, the job loss, the job issues, relational conflict, marital conflict, the death of a loved one, a friend, a family member. And yet, considering all of that, God tells us, praise the Lord, rejoice, have joy, give thanks. [00:44:29] (44 seconds) #UnbreakableLove

But maybe that's just James, right? Maybe I'm cherry picking, right? I'm cherry picking some texts here. Maybe Paul, right? Maybe Paul says it a little bit differently. Maybe he inspired him to say something a tad bit different. Rejoice always. Oh, no. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. What? For this is the will of God. The will of God. Not just a lofty thought. Not just a lofty ideal. But the will of God to count it all joy and to give thanks in all circumstances. Not some, not just the good, but all of them. All of them. Give thanks. [00:46:59] (41 seconds)

And we look at Peter and like, what did Peter really deal with? Personal failures, doubt, fear, persecution, conflict in the church. He was martyred for his faith, but not until his wife was also martyred for her faith right in front of him. Which is displayed in writings through Eusebius and Clement of Alexandria. And yet he sits there and he says, rejoice with joy, right? To have joy. [00:49:04] (35 seconds)

Anyway, these writers, and we could keep going with this, they never wrote from an ivory tower, right? They weren't off in their little study, making all these notes and be like, I'm just going to put these high expectations upon them. No, they lived this out each and every day to praise, to give thanks, to rejoice, to have joy in all circumstances. They went through so much, the good and the bad. They faced so many challenges, and yet they rejoiced, they gave thanks, and they praised God. [00:49:39] (34 seconds)

God is, see, here's the thing, God's not minimizing our situations here. He's not ignoring our situations, but what he's trying to do, if we are willing to let him, he's trying to lead us to life, what gives us life. It is easy to focus in on the negative. It's easy. That's the easy thing to do. But he is calling us to this shift of doing something hard, right? Because remember, gratitude is meant to shift our focus to what is missing, to what is present. [00:50:13] (36 seconds)

And how do they get to this area in their life, in their faith walk? It's really just, it's a choice, right? They have made a choice. And our choice for us today to wrestle with is gratitude is a choice we make regardless of our circumstances. It's a choice that we have to make each and every day. It is a commitment. It is a way of life to choose gratitude, to choose rejoicing, to choose thankfulness, to choose joy, to choose these things. [00:51:55] (35 seconds)

``Here is the first one. Listen, we are part of the kingdom of God, right? We are part. We are children of the Most High King. I love the way Hebrews puts it. He says, therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. No matter what's going on here, no matter how muddy our situation gets, guess what? The kingdom of God cannot be shaken. Nothing can shake it because God is over all things, past, present, future. He sees all things all at the same time, and we are part of that kingdom, and it is unshakable. And we stand firm in that kingdom because of who our God is. [00:53:16] (41 seconds)

But it gets even better. Not only are we part of a kingdom, we also, we can never be separated from God's love. Romans 8, 35, who shall separate us from the love of Christ, shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sure, no. Nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. No matter what's going on, no matter how bad life gets, no matter how ugly it gets, no matter how down you get a little bit, there's nothing, nothing that can separate you from the love of God. [00:53:55] (41 seconds)

But it gets even better, friends. Last but certainly not least, it says God always gets the last word, not our situation. Did you hear that? God always gets the last word, always gets the last word, not our situation. 8, 28 in Romans says, And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good. For those who are called according to His purpose. [00:54:55] (28 seconds)

This, this, this is not easy stuff. But God doesn't call us to easy. He doesn't call us to have an attitude of gratitude, to have gratefulness flow over our life day in and day out, and be like, oh, this is such an easy thing. No, it's hard. But God calls us to the hard. He calls us to do the hard things each and every day. And how can He call us to these hard things, to cultivate this? Because He is with us. [00:55:23] (26 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What are the mental health benefits of practicing gratitude?

How does biblical gratitude shift focus from missing to present?

What examples demonstrate perseverance in gratitude during hardship?