As we find ourselves with Thanksgiving quickly approaching and the onset of the Christmas season, may we cling to the practice of gratitude. This can present itself in many forms, but let’s continue our focus on singing, praising, and giving thanks! Let’s join together and challenge ourselves to do each of these through the rest of the year.

SING---there is something mystical, spiritual that happens when we belt out at the top of our lungs a song that tugs at our heartstrings because it resonates deep within. Sing my friends!

PRAISE---this shifts our mindset off ourselves and honors our Creator and Savior! For not one of us is here by accident! Praise our LORD for all His characteristics and Who He is. If you are unsure where to start, look around at His creation and begin there.

GIVE THANKS---find ways to give thanks every single day. Count them throughout your day and even write them down. The seemingly small things add up into a giant basket full of gifts to each of us and the world around us.

Doing these three things shifts our minds away from negative spiraling, destructive thoughts, and instead, towards a life-giving outlook. We can also be confident that practicing these three simple acts allow our Creator to encourage our souls. For those moments, we are fixed upon God, and everything else pales. Therefore, let’s sing with all our might, lift words of praise to the Almighty all day, and continue gratefulness as a habitual discipline. Then await the blessings we will receive.

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT)

(Excerpt taken from Daily Dose of Intention: 365 Days of Purpose by Shagae Jones)

Clinging to Gratitude