Grow Through It: 7 Healing Practices That Cultivate Resilience a 7-Day Reading Plan by Essie Fayeნიმუში

Connect With God—Practice Gratitude

Jonah 2:9‬‬‬‬ NKJV

“But I will sacrifice to You

With the voice of thanksgiving;

I will pay what I have vowed.

Salvation is of the Lord.”

‬‬As a gardener, I learned that plant growth is a constant dance of cultivation and protection. During the growth journey, there are many things that may hinder growth or even kill the growing seed. I’ve learned that practicing gratitude in trying times cultivates resilience and growth.

Jonah’s story in the Bible shows the power of being thankful. A self-righteous and self-centered prophet, he rebelled against God and refused to complete his God-given mission. He ran from God and was swallowed by a great fish. While in the belly of the fish he vowed to give God the reverence and gratitude that He deserved. Soon after this declaration and prayer Jonah said to God, the fish vomited him out and he was given a new lease on life.

Practicing gratitude has numerous benefits. Gratitude can lead to better physical health and sleep quality. It can strengthen personal relationships and create a positive and productive work environment. Gratitude can lead to increased mental strength and contentment and improve our ability to deal with adversity. Gratitude can help people maintain a hopeful and optimistic attitude.

While practicing gratitude can propel us to grow emotionally and mentally, lacking gratitude in our lives can stunt our growth and keep us feeling stuck. Perspective is key in most life experiences because whatever you give attention to will grow. If we are ungrateful, our stinking thinking and negativity will grow. This may lead to bouts with depression and feelings of stagnation or even fear. Practicing gratitude produces feelings of happiness and gratefulness. Let us practice gratitude daily.

Father God, forgive me for complaining and failing to say thank you to You, to myself, and to others. Help me to practice gratitude each day.

Grow Through It: How has ungratefulness caused us to be stuck in our lives? In what ways has ungratefulness hindered our growth spiritually and naturally?

Ungratefulness inhibits growth, but gratitude accelerates growth.