Words Of Gratitude Series

Words of Gratitude

Introduction:

Today we are continuing our series and I want to ask you a question.

What’s coming out of your mouth when things aren’t going your way?

What are you saying, when life is harsh and hits you like a ton of bricks?

Is your mouth filled with grumbling or gratitude?

Have you ever noticed that two people can go through the exact same storm, face the exact same trial, walk through the same valley—and one walks out bitter, while the other walks out better?

Same storm, same trial, but totally different responses.

• What’s the difference?

• It’s not the storm.

• It’s not the trial.

• It’s not even the circumstances around them.

• The difference is their perspective.

• The difference is gratitude.

One person chooses gratitude in the wilderness; the other chooses grumbling.

One opens their heart and mouth to invite God’s presence; the other complains and pushes Him away.

pushes

Gratitude or grumbling—this is the choice we all face.

• At times, life can feel harsh.

• We’ll face trials that make no sense.

• We’ll battle situations that seem like they’ll never end.

We’ll walk through seasons where it feels like nothing is going right, and the weight of it all threatens to pull us down.

But hear me today—your gratitude in the storm is what makes all the difference.

It’s not about what’s happening around you—it’s about what’s happening inside you.

I believe that today, as we talk about gratitude, God is going to unlock something in your life that will change your perspective forever.

When you understand the power of gratitude, it will not only transform your attitude—it will transform your atmosphere.

It will invite the presence of God into your life in ways you’ve never experienced before.

So what’s the key? What’s the secret to walking out of the storm stronger, not weaker?

I believe its understanding gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

There are three powerful truths about gratitude we are going to look at today.

1. Gratitude is a Decision, not a Reaction

2. Gratitude Attracts God's Presence

3. Gratitude is Contagious

Let’s dive in—Because gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful—it’s about living thankful!

~Prayer~

1. Gratitude is a Decision, Not a Reaction

1. Gratitude doesn’t happen to you—it happens through you!

a. We’re often told to “count our blessings,” but what happens when we can’t see any blessings?

b. When life is tough, it’s easy to think that gratitude is a reaction to good things—only when everything is going right.

c. But God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances—good or bad.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

a. You don’t have to feel grateful to be grateful!

b. Too many people are waiting for their circumstances to change before they decide to be thankful.

i. “When I get the promotion, then I’ll be thankful.”

ii. “When my marriage is better, then I’ll be grateful.”

iii. “When I’m healed, when the bills are paid, when life gets easier… then I’ll give thanks.”

c. But let me tell you something—if you wait for perfect conditions to be thankful, you’ll never be thankful!

i. Because life will always have challenges.

ii. There will always be a battle.

d. Gratitude isn’t about what’s happening around you—it’s about what’s happening inside you.

e. Again Paul commands us, Be Thankful. Be grateful. Have gratitude… in every season of our life!

f. Notice Paul doesn’t say:

i. “Give thanks when life is good.”

ii. “Give thanks when you feel like it.”

iii. “Give thanks when you understand what God is doing.”

iv. “Give thanks when everything is going your way.”

v. No! Paul says, “Give thanks in ALL circumstances!

g. That means when life is amazing and when life is a mess.

i. That means when the paycheck comes in and when the bills are overdue.

ii. That means when doors of opportunity are opening and when it feels like every door is slamming shut.

iii. That means when you’re surrounded by friends and when you feel completely alone.

h. When you thank God before the breakthrough, you’re showing that you trust Him.

i. When you worship in the wilderness, you’re positioning yourself for the Promised Land.

j. Gratitude isn’t just an attitude—it’s an act of faith!

k. Some of you may be in a season right now where finding the ability to be grateful feels like a battle.

i. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you push yourself, you just can’t seem to feel that sense of gratitude.

l. But I want to remind you today: gratitude is not a feeling—it’s a decision.