Does Being Grateful Lead to Being Joyful? (3 Reasons it Does)

This Wisdom Wednesday, I wanted to address the benefits of being thankful.

I used Canva to make this image.

1. Gratitude Brings Peace and Reduces Anxiety

There’s something about travel that can test your patience. Tommy and I have been on the road for years now, and we've definitely had our fair share of GPS glitches, traffic snarls, and missed exits. It’s easy to start feeling that tension rise, especially when we’re stuck in a jam or trying to figure out directions in the middle of nowhere.

But over time, we’ve learned that the quickest way to regain our peace is to hit the pause button and remind ourselves of all the things we have to be grateful for. For instance, we’re in a beautiful motorhome that gives us the freedom to explore the country, live comfortably, and experience God's creation firsthand. It's a far cry from those early days when we’d get stuck in a situation and let the frustration take over. Now, when we start to lose our peace, we take a deep breath and reflect on the blessings surrounding us. In those moments, it’s hard to stay anxious when you’re reminded of how much good you have in your life.

As Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The key here is thanksgiving. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s not going right to what’s great, like the fact that we get to travel, see this beautiful country, and live in a home on wheels that’s ours. That’s enough to calm the nerves and bring back the peace.

So, the next time you feel that anxiety creeping in, take a moment to think about the things you’re grateful for, and watch how your peace starts to return.

2. Gratitude Strengthens Joy and Resilience

Gratitude isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a powerhouse when it comes to building resilience and joy, especially in tough times. When life throws challenges our way (and we all know it will), gratitude helps us not only endure but thrive through them.

I love the words of Maya Angelou: “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” It’s such a beautiful reminder that gratitude and faith are intertwined. They both give us the strength to face whatever comes, but gratitude? It ignites something in us.

Think about it. When we’re grateful, fear has no place to settle in. Tony Robbins nailed it when he said, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” When we take the time to count our blessings, it’s like a switch gets flipped. Suddenly, what seemed like an obstacle becomes something we can overcome with joy. Even in the midst of difficulties, gratitude shifts our mindset, making us stronger and more resilient.

Amy Collette also put it perfectly: “Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” Gratitude lights that fire, even when life’s winds try to blow it out. It’s the spark that keeps us going, lifting us above the challenges, and leading us into a place of joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances.

So, the next time you face something difficult—whether it’s an unexpected setback or a rough patch in your journey—remember that gratitude isn’t just an attitude. It’s a tool for building strength, a flame for your heart, and the source of the joy that will carry you through.

3. Gratitude Deepens Your Relationship with God

Gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful—it’s about recognizing the goodness of God in every situation, even when life seems tough. I can look back on seasons where my faith felt tested, especially during the years when Tommy was drinking heavily. There were times I felt like my prayers were going unanswered, like God wasn’t listening to my cries for help. I remember feeling so discouraged, but I found a shift happening when I started concentrating on the good things in my life.

I began focusing on the blessings God had already given me—the thriving business I had built, the amazing employees who were like family, and the countless ways He had already provided. As I made a point to express gratitude for those things, my perspective started to change. Instead of focusing on the things that were broken, I focused on the things that were flourishing, and that sparked a deeper connection with God.

Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” It’s a call to approach God with gratefulness, no matter where we are or what we're facing. Gratitude is the bridge that connects us to Him, and the more I practiced it, the more I realized how deeply He was involved in every detail of my life, even when I couldn't see it at first.

As I thanked Him for the good, my relationship with Christ grew richer. I was no longer looking for signs of His presence in the things I was praying for to change; instead, I started recognizing His presence in the blessings He had already given me. Gratitude shifted my focus, and with it, my relationship with God deepened in a way I never expected.

If you find yourself in a season of waiting or wondering where God is, start by looking for the things to be thankful for, no matter how small. You’ll be surprised at how it opens your heart to a deeper walk with Him.

In Conclusion, Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a powerful choice that transforms our hearts and minds. It brings peace when anxiety threatens, it strengthens joy and resilience when life gets tough, and it deepens our relationship with God, helping us to recognize His presence in every season. Gratitude is the lens through which we can see God’s goodness, even when things don’t go as planned.

As we travel on this road we call life, let’s remember that every moment, whether joyful or challenging, offers an opportunity to cultivate gratitude. When we choose to be thankful, we open the door to joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances but rooted in the goodness of God.

So today, I challenge you: take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Trust me, when you begin to make gratitude a regular practice, you’ll find that the joy you seek has been right there all along.

Full disclosure: Today's post was shaped with a little help from ChatGPT. Not because I'm lazy, but because I hit a creative roadblock.