New York Times writer Arthur Brooks once cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for his in-laws in Spain. Over dinner, a couple of questions were asked. The first, “What does this beast eat to be so filled with bread?,” and then, “Should you celebrate this holiday even if you don't feel grateful?”

The first question is just funny. The second should give us all pause. Being grateful is a state of mind. It’s intentional. Too many times, we get caught up in what we don’t have, and let’s be honest, as Americans, we have a lot.

In Psalm 97:12, we read, “Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to his holy name.”

Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California Davis says, “There's a magnetic appeal to gratitude,” and that it speaks to a need that’s deeply entrenched.

In the Bible, there are powerful examples of people who were grateful for everything God had given them.

In First Samuel, we read about Hannah, who was childless until her sustained prayer moved God’s heart. When she gave birth to Samuel, she was so grateful that she took him to the temple and dedicated his life to service to the Lord.

In the gospels of Matthew and Luke, a Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant who was deathly ill. Though Jesus offered to go to his house, the centurion was so appreciative, his faith compelled him to say that he knew Jesus could heal the servant without traveling to the home, and Jesus rewarded this gratitude by healing the servant in just that way.

Gratitude multiplies itself. Once you become intentional about practicing gratitude, you practice it more and more, and in turn, your faith grows so much that others notice, and in becoming this kind of example, you’ll never have to ask if you should be grateful, even if you don’t feel like it. You’ll feel like it all the time.

Let’s pray.

Father, we want to practice daily gratitude for all you’ve graciously given us. Praising you with our prayers, and being intentional with our gratitude honors you and settles our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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