Intentional Gratitude

I recently read about intentional gratitude in the book, IF I’M FOUND, by Terri Blackstock, an author of Christian suspense I’ve loved for years. This book is one of a series she published recently.

Ms. Blackstock talked about Intentional gratitude in her author’s note; it was something a friend shared with her.

When we’re feeling down about situations in our lives, when we want to complain, we can remind ourselves to have intentional gratitude toward god. When things seem bad, look for things to thank god for.

This is something we have to be active about, even if we don’t want to; not depending on feelings. Look at the things around us at this moment, the simplest things that have happened to us today.

I tried it, right at the time I first read about it. I thanked God for the surprise popsicle I’d just found in the basement freezer. Almost immediately, I had reason to thank him for bringing the right Scripture to my mind when I wanted to get mad at someone. And for how relieved I felt when I didn’t spout off.

Ms. Blackstock reminded me of Philippians 4:8, keeping our minds on good things, and of the verse in 1 Thessalonians about praying constantly. She said she realized she’d ignored reasons to thank God for things. She didn’t see God working because she hadn’t been looking for him.

The author said as her characters in the series start seeing god working in their lives more frequently, she hopes her readers will too.

I thank Ms. Blackstock, her friend, and God for this reminder. I pray that the words intentional gratitude will remain in my mind and become part of my daily routine.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.