Gratitude: A Powerful Principle

Gratitude isn’t a new idea or a trend—it’s something people have practiced for a long time. From the very beginning, God made us able to notice good things and say “thank you” for them. Gratitude means seeing the good around us and choosing to be thankful. The Bible reminds us of this too! In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, God tells us to give thanks in all situations, because being thankful helps our hearts stay close to Him—even when things are hard.

If gratitude is as simple as being thankful, why does it seem so hard to do?

Our brains are wired for survival! This means that the brain's primary job is to scan for danger, identify threats, and protect us from harm. In this sense, your brain functions like a personal security system—constantly alert & constantly assessing what feels unsafe.

When stress enters the picture, the brain naturally zeroes in on what feels threatening. This focus can crowd out your awareness of goodness, even when good things are still present. Gratitude doesn’t disappear in these moments—it simply becomes harder to access.

However.....

Your brain is not stuck the way it is—it can grow and change!  When we practice gratitude during calm moments, we help our brain learn to notice good things. The more we practice, the easier it becomes. 

Over time, our brain makes new pathways, so gratitude can show up even when things feel stressful. Little by little, our brain learns that it doesn’t always have to be in “survival mode” and can notice good things too.

Life application

Set aside a few moments each day to name what you are grateful for—say it or write it down. 

Over time, gratitude becomes a natural response that can help you handle stress, face challenges, and feel more balanced.

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