Gratitude is a quality that I deeply admire in people. One way to make this week a winner is to fill each day with gratitude. “The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible.” And, Gratitude has a profound impact on our emotional and physical health. According to an article published by Harvard Health, “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

King David knew this. He wrote Psalm 34, one of my all time favorite passages of scripture, which starts with these words, “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” He goes on to write, “Glorify the Lord with me: let us exalt His name together.” In other words, David wanted his mouth to be filled with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord and he wanted his friends to join him. What a great two-fold goal for this week! Let your mouth be filled with praise and invite others to celebrate and give thanks with you.

Let your mouth be filled with praise. This week, each morning play some praise music. Let the words fill your home. As you listen give thanks for who God is and what He has done in your life. At the end of each day before you lay your head down for the night, write down three things that you are thankful for from the day. As you fall asleep pray and thank the Lord for those three things.

Invite others to celebrate and give thanks with you. One way to do this is to ask how you might pray for a friend. Then check in with them later this week to see how God is answering your prayers. As he answers, celebrate together. Another way to give thanks together would be to form a small group of friends who will meet together once a week for the next month to track their thankfulness. You might consider taking The 30 Day Praise Challenge and doing it together with 3 or 4 friends. As you intentionally praise and thank God together, your friendships will grow.

No matter how you choose to accomplish your goal will you join me in setting it as your goal this week to intentionally fill your mouth with praise and invite others to give thanks with you? I’d love to know that you’re joining me on making this your most thankful week ever. Leave a comment below and tell me if you’re willing to intentionally fill this week with praise and thanksgiving. Share an idea in the comment section below for how you plan to do this. Your ideas will encourage others!