Renew Your Mind with Gratitude Journaling

Gratitude can change your mindset and outlook on life in powerful ways. Research even suggests that practicing gratitude can actually rewire the brain on a neuroscientific level. Gratitude is a practice that is widely embraced in the wellness sphere but it is biblical and godly at heart, as the concept of thankfulness to God is highlighted throughout scripture. 

I've reflected on some ways gratitude can renew our way of thinking. Here are a few: 

1. Gratitude shifts our perspectives

Reflecting on what we are grateful for helps us see the good in bad situations. It doesn't make us ignore the bad but instead helps us realise that it's not all bad. It creates a new lens through which we can evaluate any trials or difficult circumstances in an optimistic and hopeful way. Gratitude can turn any situation around. 

Sometimes our circumstances are not necessarily difficult, they're just not ideal or they're mildly uncomfortable. Still, gratitude changes our perspective from "this is not ideal" to "this is okay for now." If you're driving an old second-hand car to save money and it makes a rattling noise or presents a minor issue from time to time, that may not be ideal. But there's still a lot to be grateful for: getting from point A to point B, freedom to go as you please, not having anything to pay off and saving your money...suddenly you realise things could be so much worse and it's not the end of the world.

2. Gratitude creates contentment

The apostle Paul, likely chained and in a dark, cold prison cell wrote the following in Philippians 4: 11-13:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

Scripture also says the following in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Happiness is a fleeting emotion, but contentment is a deep-rooted attitude that holds firm even in life's greatest difficulties. The secret to Paul's contentment in prison is that through the strength of Christ, he is thankful in all circumstances, good or bad, in abundance and in lack. Being thankful to God can create this same attitude, because it teaches us that gratitude is not conditional. There is always something to be thankful for, when we have and when we don't have. When things are going well and when they're not. If we do it enough, thankfulness becomes a spiritual posture and we experience contentment and peace in our lives, no matter how shaky it gets. A thankful heart is a content and joyous heart.

Related to contentment, gratitude also helps us realise when we have enough and it eliminates false needs, especially when it comes to material things. 

Our Gratitude Journals are carefully curated to help you acknowledge both the good and the bad in your daily life. It asks you what was challenging or what didn't make you feel good, because we aim to emulate Scripture's emphasis on contentment and gratitude in any and every situation. 

3. Gratitude humbles us

When we're faced with problem after problem, we easily become self-centred to the point that we take a lot for granted. 

Gratitude helps us get over ourselves. Again, it doesn't make us neglect our problems, but it does bring us back down to earth. It grounds us again and helps us reset. The little mundane things we often take for granted, like sunshine, a good cup of coffee, our loving pet, food in our bellies, suddenly become profound and bigger than our problems. How could I, in the midst of my breakdown, overlook all these beautiful things in the world and in my life?  

Our Gratitude Journals aim to help you find a new appreciation for these not-so-little amazing things in life and it can give you something to look forward to each day in the midst of your trials. 

4. Gratitude exalts God and gives Him praise

Thankfulness to God keeps our adoration and reverence of Him alive and it's how we give Him the praise that is due to His name. When we don't make a point of giving thanks to God, we exalt ourselves. But showing Him gratitude exalts Him to His rightful place. It keeps our minds fixed on Him and our hearts in reverence to Him.

When we give thanks to God, we acknowledge Him as our Provider, Healer, Peacebringer, Wisdom-giver and so much more. God stays God, unchanging, and we stay His sheep and His children. 

The Bible gives a lot of joyous language to gratitude. Here are only a few examples out of the lot: 

"...singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:16)

"...overflowing with thankfulness." (Colossians 2:7)

"...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." (Hebrews 12:28

"...give thanks to Him and praise His name." (Psalms 100:4)

5. Gratitude is a kindness to ourselves

Practising gratitude is a way of giving ourselves grace and being kind to our deepest selves. It's a method of emotional regulation and it can recharge our brains. It trains our minds to slow down and notice more. The habit of gratitude journaling can also be a preventative measure against burnout, by giving you a chance to breathe, rest and regroup.

Our Gratitude Journals are designed in such a way that you can practise morning gratitude before you get out of bed and also reflect and unwind in the evenings. It also includes weekly check-ins. This is all to help you get in the right headspace and regulate before starting and ending your days. 

Be kind to your mind. Look what's around you and give thanks to God.