The importance of gratitude

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4 NIV)

 When we praise God for His goodness in any difficulty, we draw closer to Him and bring Him into the situation, trusting Him to act in our favor.
 Showing gratitude for others is very important too. Life is hard enough for most people, and it’s so refreshing to hear a positive word of gratitude when the waves are big and threaten to drown us. Maybe that’s why Jesus taught us not to judge others. If we could see the burden that our neighbor is already carrying, like God does, we would be eager to help instead of judge.
 To remind myself of the importance of gratitude, I also keep a gratitude journal. Even though I don’t add to it every day, when I do I try to list at least three things I’m thankful for. This exercise helps to lift me up and above the difficulties I’m facing at the time, and to put everything in the right perspective. —Rosane Pereira [1]

 God’s people are intended to give Him thanks in everything that comes their way, for there is nothing that He cannot turn to good and use as a source of spiritual growth to those who love and trust in Him, and the results can be miraculous. —Merlin Carothers

[1] Activted Thankful for Setbacks