GRATITUDE—A CHOSEN STATE OF BEING by Karen A Roth

“GRATITUDE—A CHOSEN STATE OF BEING” by Karen A Roth

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~Melody Beattie

    The ‘practice of Gratitude’ is often linked to increased happiness and well-being. We feel content that the choices we make will contribute to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Gratitude opens the door to happiness because being content and grateful for God’s grace and blessings also aligns with the values that bring joy and happiness.

   Gratitude is often presented as a ‘feel-good’ tool because of its mood enhancing abilities. Yet, venturing beyond the surface, we discover that scientifically, Gratitude is much more than an emotion or a sentiment. Ample evidence suggests a connection between Gratitude and the overall feeling of happiness/well-being; it will boost the immune system, fortify resilience against stress, lift the veil of depression, regulate blood pressure, increase energy, determination, and strength—even enhance the quality of our sleep.  

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” ~ Marcus  Tullius Cicero

    Examining Gratitude, according to Cicero, suggests a deeper significance than simply an upbeat response. If spiritual discipline is applied to Gratitude, it becomes a powerful tool for developing Moral Virtue. Intentional growth, through practices like meditation or prayer, fosters a connection to God that goes beyond surface-level ‘appreciation.’

    If we engage in Spiritual Disciplines, Gratitude will transform us from ‘passive’ feelings to ‘intentional’ actions. This transformative process of Gratitude reflects qualities like honesty and compassion—influencing our actions based on what is morally right and honors God. In challenging moments, Gratitude becomes a guiding force impacting not only our personal growth, but affects how we interact with others.

    Cultivating Gratitude through Spiritual Discipline is a journey of ‘intentional’ growth that goes beyond momentary emotions to ground us in a deep sense of moral responsibility to honor Almighty God. Those with a heart of Gratitude respond to God’s guidance and make better choices.

“Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into Joy, and   change ordinary opportunities into Blessings.” ~William Arthur Ward

   Gratitude, serves as a portal to heightened spiritual mindfulness. Gratitude unveils gateways or transformative pathways into the will of God, not only revealing God’s purpose for us, but allowing us to actively participate in His divine plan as part of the Body of Christ. By cultivating Gratitude, we become more aware of Christ’s Presence—even recognizing how God positioned us to interconnect with others in His Spiritual Tabernacle.  

    Acknowledging that the ‘good’ in our lives comes from God fosters humility and inspires us to reciprocate the gifts we’ve received. Engaging in Spiritual Discipline turns our focus beyond ourselves, making us more present in the current moment and sharpens our awareness to recognize God’s ‘call to action.’ Studies highlight the positive impact of Gratitude on individuals—confirming that those practicing Gratitude tend to exhibit compassion, forgiveness, generosity, support, etc.

     Furthermore, gratitude promotes an appreciation for the Presence of God, allowing us to recognize Him in His people. Thereby we can affirm His worth and value in others—and acknowledge His Presence when we see it in churches, organizations, and governments.

   The opposite of Gratitude is Ingratitude. Ingratitude tends to belittle and dishonor Almighty God—becoming a destructive force that tarnishes both our well-being and our relationships. St Ignatius, (theologian and founder of the Jesuits), called Ingratitude the “most abominable of sins…the cause, the beginning and origin of all sins and misfortunes.”

    Metaphorically, we can measure the impact of Gratitude or Ingratitude on our emotional climate by comparing it to a barometer, (high-barometric-pressure—clear/stable weather conditions, low-barometric-pressure—stormy/violative weather conditions). A spiritual ‘Gratitude Barometer’ measures low-levels of Ingratitude, such as emotional heaviness, negative thoughts, feeling annoyed, indignant, angry… from high-levels of Gratitude that includes positive mental climate, serene/tranquil state of mind.  

    In Genesis, God identified Cain’s ‘Ingratitude’ as a ‘fallen’ state. Thankfully, God, as loving Father, provided guidance for ‘how’ Cain could raise his ‘low-barometric-pressure.’ He cautioned Cain, saying, “you should rule over it.“ (GN 4:5-7). Maintaining a connection with God’s Guidance ensures us that even when faced with challenges, we won’t falter if we ‘choose’Gratitude. We too have been given authority to master or rule over our thoughts, emotions, and resist the pull towards the ‘fallen’ nature of Ingratitude. God’s Word serves as a constantreminder that we have the ability to influence our spiritual ‘Gratitude Barometer.‘

A SECOND CHANCE 

    Every thought is a moment for change. Just asking the question, “What am I doing here?” is a spiritual portal for a ‘second chance’—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset our thoughts. “Give me a minute.” is a ‘second chance’ to change/repent—to shift from Ingratitude to Gratitude. Jesus’ death on the cross gave us a ‘second chance.’ If we place God back on the throne, then Gratitude becomes a profound acknowledgment of God’s truth, mercy, and promises. This thoughtful shift creates a ‘second chance’ that allows the ‘transformative power of God’ to elevate our spiritual ‘Gratitude Barometer’ so our emotional climate rises.

    The impact of Gratitude is extensive. Gratitude initiates a change in our mindset that begins eliminating the ‘vices’ associated with Ingratitude, such as anger, jealousy, resentment, greed, bitterness, envy, etc. The core of Gratitude is honor—to appreciate, love, trust, and obey God. Even in the face of Ingratitude, we find God’s guidance offers a ‘second chance’ to experience solace and to remember that His care runs deep. Consequently, when challenges arise, we ‘anticipate’ God’s Guidance to reveal how we can experience an upward surge and change our atmosphere.

    Those thriving in Gratitude find a way to navigate through the challenges of life with inner peace and an overall sense of well-being. Ultimately, Gratitude promotes the opportunity of thriving as a more balanced and spiritually uplifting being—living a more fulfilled and meaningful life.

“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 TH 5:16-18 TPT     

   The above scripture serves as a practical guide or roadmap for discovering God’s “perfect plan” or formula for happiness. We are urged to: “rejoice continually, maintain constant communication with God, and nurture an all-encompassing attitude of Gratitude—regardless of our circumstances.”

    Our assignment: Live in alignment with “the will of God in Christ Jesus.” The scriptural plan or formula unveils wisdom to experience a state of continual Gratitude. It is a wonderful plan for happiness because it aligns us to the ‘spiritual portal’ of God’s Providence.

    Gratitude offers a means to daily enhance our well-being and happiness. Despite life’s challenges, we can choose to see God’s goodness each day and feel Gratitude—content/happy that God is in Control. The Spiritual Discipline of Gratitude becomes our total surrender/sacrifice of Ingratitude on the altar of our life. Gratitude allows us to manifest God’s goodness through Holy Spirit operating in us—fueling qualities like enduring courage, generosity, diligence, and honor.

   The benefits of choosing to enter every situation with Gratitude makes it a Transformative Power—a Game-Changer. Gratitude puts us face-to-face with God… our heartfelt “Thank You God!” opened the door!

Karen Roth is the wife of Dr. Roger Roth Sr., and a ministry son of Dr. Mark Hanby. They are the set ministry of a local church in Northeastern Wisconsin; and oversee the Bloodline Network Newsletter. They consider it an honor to work with Dr. Hanby for many years, helping to oversee the ministry of Papa Mark’s extended family—”The Father’s Heart.”

     Any questions or comments please contact us at rogerandkaren@live.com