The Power of Gratitudeಮಾದರಿ

Gratitude Empowers Us

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (NKJV)

In this verse, the Apostle Paul reveals a connection between a thankful heart and strong faith. Paul (previously Saul of Tarsus) states that we should thank God before the victory happens. As we do, God goes before us and leads us into the victory that He has promised. He releases His knowledge through us like a fragrance that we can share with others.

What wonderful imagery from the Apostle Paul.

But before all this is promised, the verse starts with thanking God in the present moment: “Now thanks be to God.” The Bible is giving us an amazing key here. An attitude of gratitude empowers us to see more clearly the victorious path that God is leading us on. As He leads us, He makes His presence known along the journey.

Even the Psalmist tells us in, Psalm 107:1- "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" (ESV) The Psalmist is exhorting us to thank God because we can trust where He’s leading us.

Thank God before your breakthrough happens. Thank Him for past breakthroughs. Thank Him for what He is doing that you cannot see. Thank Him for your prayers being answered even before they’re answered.

This heart posture builds our faith and anticipation in what God is doing, and contagiously spreads His presence and knowledge as it happens.

Research has even revealed many connections between gratitude, and a list of health benefits: positive impacts on longevity, stress reduction, physical health, improved mental health, and better relationships.

Prayer:Lord, I ask for a deeper revelation of gratitude and how it strengthens my faith. Empower me, God, to live with a thankful anticipation of Your victories in my life and in the lives of those around me.