Discover the power of daily gratefulness with our Gratitude Challenge Day 55. Boost positivity, happiness, and mindfulness every day—join us now!
Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 55! Today we focus on daily gratefulness and how simple habits can boost positivity and happiness. Join us as we share practical tips for a gratitude practice that improves your mindset and well-being. Subscribe for daily inspiration and become part of our gratitude journey!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 55 - Daily Gratefulness
Gratitude Challenge Day 55 – Daily Gratefulness
Have you ever noticed how a simple “thank you” can shift your whole day? Welcome to Day 55 of the Gratitude Challenge, where we’re focusing on the transformative power of Daily Gratefulness. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, cultivating a grateful heart can bring peace and renewed joy. Let’s explore how this simple habit, grounded in biblical truth, can reshape our outlook and relationships.
Why Practice Daily Gratefulness?
Daily Gratefulness is more than just a fleeting feeling—it’s an intentional practice that can change your perspective on life. The Bible encourages us to give thanks continually. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says,
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Related Benefits
Practicing daily gratefulness can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Strengthen relationships
Increase joy and contentment
How to Start a Daily Gratefulness Routine
Are you wondering how to make gratitude a daily habit? Here are some practical tips:
1. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Write down three things you’re thankful for every day. They can be big or small—a warm cup of coffee, a supportive friend, or simply the beauty of creation.
2. Pray with Thanksgiving
Philippians 4:6 reminds us,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Start your prayers by thanking God for His goodness.
3. Express Appreciation to Others
Tell someone you appreciate them—send a quick message or say it face-to-face. Small gestures can have a big impact.
Answering Common Questions
Q: Is it okay to feel ungrateful sometimes? Absolutely. Even faithful people encounter tough moments. The Psalms are full of honest prayers (Psalm 13). The key is returning to a posture of thankfulness. Doing a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge can grow new connections in our brains to make it easier to “Always be joyful, Never stop praying and be thankful in all circumstances”. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Q: What if I struggle to find something to be grateful for? Start small. Look for simple blessings—fresh air, a kind word, or God’s unwavering love (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Bible References for Daily Gratefulness
Here are three verses to inspire your practice:
Psalm 107:1 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Ephesians 5:20 – “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Tips for Consistency
Set reminders on your phone.
Pair gratitude with another daily habit (like brushing your teeth).
Share your gratitude journey with family or friends for accountability.
Conclusion: Embrace Daily Gratefulness
Daily gratefulness isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle that honours God and brings peace into every area of life. As you continue this Gratitude Challenge, remember that each moment of thankfulness draws you closer to God’s heart.
What are you grateful for today?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, invite a friend to join the challenge, and subscribe for more faith-filled encouragement!
Let’s keep cultivating grateful hearts—one day at a time.
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
How do you define gratitude in simple terms?
Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for what you have. It involves recognizing the good things in your life, whether they are big or small.
Key Points:
Decision: Decide to be thankful. Notice the positives around you.
Emotion: Feel gratitude for what you’ve decided to be thankful for. This is key.
Action: Show appreciation for the you feel gratitude for.
In essence, gratitude is about appreciating life's blessings and the people who contribute to your happiness.
Thankfulness is the decision. Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation is what we show we are thankful for.. It involves recognizing the good things in your life, whether they are big or small.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Looking to deepen your gratitude practice and see real changes in your daily outlook? The Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal - Printable is designed to guide you through 70 days of morning and evening prompts, helping you focus on thankfulness and positivity. Track your progress, reflect on milestones, and use the built-in mood tracker to monitor your growth. Whether you join the Course + Community + Clarity for full access or purchase the journal separately, this powerful tool makes it easy to build a lasting gratitude habit—anytime, anywhere. Get your copy today at https://revtrev.link/thanks and start experiencing the benefits of gratitude in your life! Get just the Printable Journal here: https://livelight.ca/b/yNoct
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Day 54: Thankful Faithfulness—discover daily ways to practice gratitude and strengthen your faithfulness in everyday moments. Join the challenge!
Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 54! Today’s focus is on Thankful Faithfulness—embracing gratitude and consistent faithfulness in your daily life. Learn practical tips to boost your gratitude practice and inspire stronger faithfulness. Subscribe for daily encouragement and join the challenge to transform your mindset and spirit!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 54 - Thankful Faithfulness
Gratitude Challenge Day 54 – Thankful Faithfulness
Have you ever paused to reflect on how God’s faithfulness shapes your daily life? On this 54th day of our Gratitude Challenge, we dive into the heart of Thankful Faithfulness—a powerful practice that transforms routines into worship and ordinary days into testimonies of God’s goodness. Whether you’re facing a season of joy or challenge, cultivating a grateful spirit for faithfulness can anchor your walk with Christ.
What Is Thankful Faithfulness?
Thankful Faithfulness is more than simply being consistent or dependable; it’s recognizing and celebrating God’s steadfastness in our lives—and responding with our own commitment. This approach intertwines gratitude with loyalty, turning everyday acts into opportunities to honor God.
Related keywords: gratitude, steadfastness, Christian living, spiritual growth
Why Does Thankful Faithfulness Matter?
Faithfulness is a central theme throughout Scripture. God’s unchanging nature is our model:
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Our response? To mirror this faithfulness in how we love God and others.
Benefits of cultivating thankful faithfulness:
Strengthens Relationships: Consistently showing up for others builds trust.
Deepens Faith: Regular gratitude reminds us of God’s unwavering presence.
Increases Joy: Counting blessings shifts our focus from lack to abundance.
How to Practice Thankful Faithfulness Daily
1. Start With Prayer
Begin each day by thanking God for His faithfulness. Try this simple prayer:
“Lord, thank You for always keeping Your promises. Help me reflect Your steadfast love today.”
2. Keep a Faithfulness Journal
Record how you experience God’s faithfulness. Note answered prayers, unexpected provision, or moments of peace. Over time, your journal will reveal a beautiful pattern of God’s reliability.
3. Be Faithful in Small Things
Jesus highlighted the importance of faithfulness in little matters:
Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”
Look for ways to be consistent—returning calls, honoring commitments, or serving without recognition.
4. Express Gratitude to Others
Acknowledge the faithfulness of friends, family, and church members. A simple thank you note or word of encouragement can make a big difference.
5. Stay Rooted in Scripture
Regular Bible reading keeps your heart aligned with God’s truth. Meditate on passages that highlight His steadfastness, like Psalm 36:5 (“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I remain thankful when faithfulness feels hard? A: Focus on God’s example. Even when we waver, His faithfulness never does (2 Timothy 2:13). Small steps—like prayer and scripture—help realign your heart.
Q: What if I’ve failed in faithfulness before? A: God’s mercy is new every morning. Begin again, trusting in His grace to strengthen your resolve.
Conclusion: Live Out Thankful Faithfulness
Thankful Faithfulness isn’t perfection—it’s a daily choice to trust, obey, and give thanks. As you continue this Gratitude Challenge, celebrate every small victory of faithfulness. Anchor your heart in God’s steadfast love, and let gratitude overflow into your actions.
How has faithfulness shaped your journey?
Share your thoughts in the comments! If this encouraged you, share with a friend or subscribe for more uplifting reflections. Let’s walk in thankful faithfulness together!
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
How can gratitude help me focus on positives in life?
Gratitude can significantly enhance your ability to focus on the positives in life. Here are some key ways it can help, along with links to relevant studies:
Benefits of Gratitude
Shifts Perspective:
Gratitude encourages you to recognize and appreciate what you have rather than what you lack. This shift in focus can lead to a more positive outlook.
Enhances Well-Being:
Regularly practicing gratitude contributes to increased feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. This boost in mood can help you see the brighter side of situations.
Reduces Negative Emotions:
Engaging in gratitude practices can lower levels of envy, resentment, and frustration, allowing you to concentrate on positive experiences.
Improves Relationships:
Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships by fostering a sense of connection and appreciation with others. Positive social interactions can enhance overall well-being.
Promotes Resilience:
Grateful individuals tend to cope better with stress and adversity. They are more likely to focus on solutions rather than problems, which can improve mental health.
Relevant Studies
Study on Gratitude and Well-Being:
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). "Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). "Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions." American Psychologist.
How often do you take time to reflect on what you are grateful for?
Have you noticed a change in your mood after practicing gratitude?
What specific areas of your life do you want to focus your gratitude on?
Engaging with gratitude can provide a robust foundation for focusing on the positives in life while promoting overall emotional health.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Unlock the full Gratitude Hub experience when you join the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge with the Course + Community or Course + Community + Clarity options! The Gratitude Hub gives you access to all daily podcast episodes, live cast replays, blog posts, and important announcements so you can stay inspired and connected no matter your schedule. It's also a space where community happens—share your thoughts, encouragement, and insights through comments, and connect with others on the same gratitude journey. Don’t miss out on this supportive resource that keeps gratitude front and centre in your life. Visit https://revtrev.link/thanks to get started!
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Gaze at the sky on Gratitude Challenge Day 53 and feel awe for abundant stars. Discover how nightly gratitude inspires a brighter outlook daily.
Join us for Gratitude Challenge Day 53: Abundant Stars! Tonight, explore the beauty of the night sky and learn how gratitude for the stars above can inspire a positive mindset and deepen your daily gratitude practice. Share your experience in the comments and let’s celebrate the wonders of the universe together!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Have you ever stepped outside on a clear night and looked up, awestruck by the abundant stars? Tonight, as we continue our Gratitude Challenge, Day 53 invites us to reflect on “abundant stars gratitude.” Through this practice, we’re reminded of God's promises, the beauty of His creation, and the countless blessings shining over our lives.
The Wonder of Abundant Stars
The night sky holds a unique power to inspire wonder. For Christians, the stars aren’t just pretty lights; they symbolize God’s faithfulness and creativity.
Genesis 15:5 says: "He took him outside and said, 'Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" God used the stars to show Abraham the vastness of His promises. Every star was a sign of hope.
Related keywords:
counting blessings
Christian gratitude journal
night sky reflection
Why Practice Abundant Stars Gratitude?
When we focus on gratitude for the abundant stars, we:
Remember God’s Promises: Just as Abraham looked at the stars, we can remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives.
See Blessings Multiply: Like counting stars, gratitude grows the more we look for it.
Experience Peace: The night sky reminds us of God’s control and care.
How to Reflect: A Step-by-Step Guide
Try this simple evening exercise tonight:
Step Outside: Find a quiet spot where you can see the sky.
Look Up: Notice the vast number of stars. Let their abundance remind you of God’s blessings.
List Your Blessings: In a Christian gratitude journal, write down as many blessings as you can think of—big or small.
Family
Health
Friendships
A recent answered prayer
Pray: Thank God specifically for each blessing you listed.
Reflect on a Promise: Read Genesis 15:5 and meditate on how God keeps His promises.
Common Questions About Abundant Stars Gratitude
Q: Why use stars as a gratitude prompt? A: Stars are a biblical symbol of abundance and promise. They offer a natural reminder to count our blessings, just like Abraham.
Q: How does this practice help with daily stress? A: Focusing on abundance shifts your mindset from worry to thankfulness. It brings perspective and peace.
Q: Can I do this with my family or friends? A: Absolutely! Sharing this practice can deepen relationships and encourage others to see God’s faithfulness.
Bible Verses for Starry Nights
Psalm 147:4: “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.” God knows each star—and each of us—personally.
Psalm 8:3-4: “When I consider your heavens… what is mankind that you are mindful of them?” We are precious in God’s sight, more than all the stars.
Conclusion: Shine With Thankfulness
Tonight, let the abundant stars gratitude practice fill you with awe and thanks for God’s never-ending blessings. Every star is a reason to praise Him!
Take Action: Did this reflection inspire you?
Comment below with one blessing you’re thankful for tonight!
Share this post with a friend who needs encouragement.
Subscribe for tomorrow’s Gratitude Challenge!
Let your gratitude shine—just like the stars above.
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
What kind of content will be shared in the daily live casts?
I live cast daily from the Live LIGHT Cascade Chalet. https://revtrev.com/chalet Here is what to expect:
Overview of the Challenge
Daily Focus: Each day, participants will be encouraged to engage in three key actions:
Decision: Choose to give thanks for specific aspects of your life.
Emotions: Feel gratitude for the blessings identified.
Action: Show appreciation through tangible actions.
Video Reflections
Scripture Verses: Each live cast will feature a video that presents personalized scripture verses relevant to gratitude.
Commentary: I will provide insights and reflections that tie the verses to everyday experiences.
Reflection Questions: Viewers will receive thought-provoking questions aimed at helping them connect emotionally with the concept of gratitude.
Audience Engagement
Q&A Sessions: I will address questions related to the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge. Participants are encouraged to submit their inquiries during the live cast.
Interactive Chat: The chat feature will allow viewers to engage with me and each other, fostering a sense of community.
⠀Highlighted Resources
Remind of a way I can help you do the 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Notifications for Live Casts
Facebook:
To receive notifications for upcoming live casts, visit Rev Trev on Facebook, like the page, and enable notifications.
YouTube:
For updates, go to Rev Trev on YouTube, subscribe to the channel, and set notification preferences.
Twitter:
Follow @revtrev and @trevorhlund for real-time updates on live casts and related content.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Join the Gratitude Challenge Community and take your gratitude journey to the next level! When you purchase the Course + Community or Course + Community + Clarity options, you unlock full access to the exclusive Gratitude HUB—your space for daily replays, podcasts, blog posts, and announcements. Plus, you'll get Chalet Access to the Live LIGHT Cascade Chalet, https://revtrev.com/chalet a welcoming online community where you can connect, share, and grow alongside others committed to cultivating gratitude. Experience support, encouragement, and meaningful connections that help you build lasting habits and deepen your appreciation every day. Don’t just go through the challenge—grow through it with the Gratitude Challenge Community! Learn more at https://revtrev.link/thanks
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Discover hope and renewal—seek the Lord and LIVE. Experience a transformed life with faith, purpose, and guidance from God’s word every day.
Are you searching for meaning and direction? In “Seek the Lord and LIVE,” discover how turning to God brings purpose, hope, and true fulfillment. Join us for practical steps to strengthen your faith and live each day with confidence. Subscribe for weekly inspiration rooted in God’s word!
Trevor H Lund is a writer, encourager and authorprenuer. As a writer he entrusts words to print, ebooks and audiobooks at https://TrevorLund.com and as an encourager he builds up others with blog posts, podcast and live casts at https://revtrev.com and as an Authorprenuer he teachs in courses, coaching and community as Founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca . His passion is to help you enjoy peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation. He holds you capable and Holy Spirit trustable for the transformation needed for that to occur in your day-to-day of everyday.
Irenaeus was a disciple of Polycarp, who himself had known the apostle John. Irenaeus stood against Gnosticism in the second century following Jesus’ death and resurrection. He wrote in his book Against Heresies
The glory of God is man fully alive Irenaeus Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies), Book 4, Chapter 20, Section 7.
I want to always remember that…
The glory of God is me fully alive. It’s to God’s glory that I live everyday of my life. So I never want to forget…
I need to seek His face always (Psalm 105:4) . I need to seek Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). I need to seek Him and live! (Amos 5:4)
So I thought I would explain this by telling you stories that we often overlook from the ancient Kingdom of Judah.
I have taught each of these points as complete messages in the past. I’ve used them as a series. Today I’m going to try combining them all together by telling you the stories of 3 different Kings of Ancient Kingdom of Judah.
3 Kings of Judah that help seek the Lord and live
King Asa 911 BCE to 870 BCE - 2 Chronicles 14 - 16
his son
King Jehoshaphat 870–849 BCE - 2 Chronicles 17- 20
Jehoshaphat's great-great-great-grandson (107 years following)
King Uzziah 783–742 BCE 2 Chronicles 26
Each of these kings sought God for a time, for a reason, or because of someone else. Each of them found success. Two of them ultimately failed. And all their lives are lessons we can never forget.
Can I pray?
Seeking the Lord a clear theme in 2 Chronicles in two ways.
First, every King is compared to David—the first of their line.
There are 7 times in the complete book of Samuel at David inquired of the Lord, (1 Samuel 23:2, 1 Samuel 23:4, 2 Samuel 2:1, 2 Samuel 5:19, 2 Samuel 5:23, 2 Samuel 21:1) and 7 is significant. It means total and complete. David was a man after God’s own heart because he always sought the Lord, not because he always did everything right, but even when he did things very wrong, he sought the Lord. So in Chronicles the kings are compared to David if they completely sought God, sometimes sought God, sought God then stopped or didn’t seek God than started. It’s full of great stories.
And secondly the theme of seeking God is prevalent in that when the king and people sought God, they found Him and had peace and prosperity. When they didn’t… all kinds of terrible things happened…usually. Sometimes they sought God and terrible things threatened—but we’ll get to that in a bit.
King Asa
Let’s start with life of King Asa. 911 BCE to 870 BCE -
Asa had peace for his reign because the Lord gave him rest on every side because he sought the Lord and commanded his people to seek the Lord.
Asa built up the towns, fortified the cities, had an army of 300,000 infantry and 280,000 archers.
But…
Ethiopia came to attack with an Army of “Thousands upon thousands” – some translations translate that as “a million”. However big it was, Asa felt completely helpless with his army of over half a million.
They had a situation where they saw themselves as powerless.
They called out to God.
He did the work.
When we seek the Lord...
They went from being plundered to getting plunder.
How many of us need that in our lives?
We need to realize what happens when we seek God.
It’s not that we can do more. It’s not that we can do it in our strength. It’s not the size of our army. It’s not the strength of our horse. It’s not the size of our church. It’s not number of ministries we can have going on at the same time. It’s us seeking God and God being found when we seek him.
When they got back to Jerusalem, a prophet gave him a warning that foreshadowed what would happen.
2 Chronicles 15:2 “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.
The Lord is with us, when we’re with him. When we seek him we’ll find him.
If we abandon him, he will abandon us.
How did Asa respond to this prophecy to seek the Lord?
It’s all about how we respond to the word of the Lord. Remember the parable Jesus told of the seed. Same seed, different types of ground. What is the condition of your heart when the word of God is spread?
When people compliment my preaching, it tells me more about the condition of their heart than it does about my preaching. When people complain about my preaching—sometimes it’s me, but often—it’s more about the condition of their heart, than it is about how I said what I said.
When Asa heard this message he “took courage” and he removed idols from the high places. He repaired the altar of the Lord and he called an assembly to seek the Lord He even deposed his grandmother because she made an Asherah pole.
(It’s not just the King who deposed his brother. It’s happened before that family needed to be removed.)
What Asa missed about how to seek the Lord
Seeking the Lord can be an event, but what Asa missed is that it needs to be a lifestyle.
Asa didn’t do that. He didn’t seek God always. He sought God for a season. He liked to have events.
He saw peace for a long time.
But in the 36th year of his reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded and fortified a town in Judah.
And Asa didn’t ask God what to do. He failed to seek God’s guidance.
He had been king 36 years, he knew how to govern. He had success. He knew what other kings did. He formed an alliance with the King of Aram. He put his trust in a foreign power.
The prophet Hanani stood up and called him on it:
2 Chronicles 16:7-9At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa and told him, “Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram. Don’t you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and charioteers? At that time you relied on the Lord, and he handed them over to you. The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”
God is seeking those who seek him.
How did Asa respond to this prophecy?
Not well…
He put the seer in prison and started oppressing some of his people.
2 Chronicles 16:12-13 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the Lord’s help but turned only to his physicians. So he died in the forty-first year of his reign.
WOW, what happened?
In his heart he did not set apart God as Lord. He thought seeking the Lord was an event and he had been there, done that, got the t-shirt. He had a season of seeking God. He had events of seeking God. He saw success seeking God.
But in the last years of his life, he would only seek the advice of doctors. He took offence at God.
Doctors are good, but put your trust in God and Seek the Lord
This verse is NOT telling us to NOT to seek the advice of doctors. It’s an indictment on what we may be trusting in.
Jesus is a name above every name. His name is above every prognosis. The name of Jesus is above the name of every type of cancer. His name is greater than heart diseases, greater than hearing loss, greater than hernia, greater than sciatica. His name is greater than fibromyalgia, greater than diabetes and greater than IBS and greater than seizures.
He is greater than any prognosis or problem.
But it’s not one versus the other. It’s what are we trusting in.
I know It’s easier to trust prognosis than it is to trust God to heal the prognosis.
For me it’s a matter of where my peace stays. Is God going to give me strength and grace through this or is he going to heal me of it. If it’s for His glory that I’m fully alive, what does fully alive look like with this prognosis. I can’t decide for God what will give him more glory. I need to seek him to find out what he wants me to do.
We wrestle for our peace.
Don’t be like Asa. The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. He will renew your strength.
King Asa: God is searching for hearts fully devoted to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
King Asa story reminds us: We need to seek His face always (Psalm 105:4)
I’ll summarize the story the best I can. I want you to see what seeking the Lord meant for Jehoshaphat.
2 Chronicles 17:3-6The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honour. His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
But he had an alliance with Ahab. Yes, that Ahab. The one from the stories about Elijah. The one who married Jezebel.
And Jehoshaphat’s alliance was a marriage alliance—we’ll hear more about that in a bit.
Ahab wanted his help to attack Ramoth Gilead. I’m going to have to let you read the story in 2 Chronicles 18.
I want you to know the thing that amazes me about that story. In antiquity this story has very unique elements that we do not find in any other contemporary sources. This book tells us the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny. All other contemporary stories sugar-coat the good.
Not in this book.
You don’t get the insight you find from the Bible from contemporary Assyrian texts or later Babylonian and certainty earlier Babylonian or Egyptian. Hittite - I haven’t studied. It’s only been translatable since 2009. What I’ve read in translations, it’s the stories in the Bible that are unique. What I’m saying is when you see the personalities in this story, you only get that in this book. It’s ancient and it is amazing.
When Jehoshaphat returned from battle where Ahab died…
2 Chronicles 19:2-3Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” he asked the king. “Because of what you have done, the Lord is very angry with you. Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God.”
How did Jehoshaphat respond?
Very well.
Jehoshaphat started appointing judges and instructed them how to establish justice. He appointed Levites, priests and heads of family to and gave them orders to serve wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord.
And you would expect all rainbows and sunshine, wouldn’t you. But that’s not life when you live in a fallen world.
He was about to face a situation where he didn’t know what to do. He got word that three armies were on their way to attack him.
But because he had been seeking the Lord, he knew he had to seek the Lord.
You and I might have taken offence. We might have tried to explain to God that we had appointed good and godly judges, that we had encouraged the people to return to God, that we had removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles. We might have had to pity party. We might have had a good lament.
But he had been seeking the Lord, so he knew he had to seek the Lord.
He called a fast and he called an assembly. And in that assembly he led a prayer that you and I may need to pray at times.
It talks about the greatness of God. It talks about the promise of God. It doesn’t deny the real problem they are facing. And it ends up with a prayer I know I’ve prayed more than a few times.
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
What if you and I knew how to seek the Lord when we don’t know what to do?
What if our default was to not blame God for our circumstance but to draw near to him so he could draw near to us?
Jesus told us to “Seek first Kingdom and his righteousness.”
We are going to have bad news. In this world we will have trouble. What if you wouldn’t fear bad news, even when it comes?
That’s what happens when we seek Him and know we’ll find him.
Everyone is standing there waiting with anticipation. What would be God’s response?
It was a great response. I prophet stood up and encouraged them I just want to highlight one verse.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV)You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”’
How many agree that’s a good word?
Jehoshaphat once again responded with faith.
Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground and all the people worshipped God. The next day the worshippers were placed at the head of the army who marched out to meet this great host.
Except maybe at Jericho, this is the first time the praisers went before the army. Think a drummer standing in the line during the US civil war. Now have everyone except the drummer take a few steps back. Enemy at the front. Person making the most noise in between. This is what’s happening real time.
Yet what happened in the natural is so crucial for us in the spiritual. We’ll get to that in a bit.
At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.
They did their part. God did his part. They praised him before the answer came. Praising him brought their answer.
That’s a good word right there. You’ll naturally praise him when the answer comes. Praise him before the answer comes. It might release the answer to come.
That’s the dance we’re all in. We do our part—trust him before the answer comes enough to praise him to allow the answer to come. Well that, and he empowers us to accomplish every good work prompted by faith.
King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!
On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.
King Jehoshaphat: When you don’t know what to do, trust God enough to seek Him.
King Asa’s story reminds us: We need to seek His face always (Psalm 105:4 King Jehoshaphat’s story reminds us: We need to seek Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13)
Let’s move on to the final story… King Uzziah
Maybe I should give you part of the backstory and catch you up on what happened between Jehoshaphat and his great-great-great-grandson.
Why there was two Kingdoms?
The kingdom was united under Saul, David and Solomon, then Solomon’s son Rehoboam answered the northern 10 tribes poorly and they separated and created the Kingdom of Israel, while Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to house of David and became the Kingdom of Judah.
In the 209 year history of the northern kingdom of Israel there were 19 kings and 7 of them were murdered, onecommitted suicide before he could be killed. There was a 42% chance you’d be murdered or kill yourself if you were a king of Israel. There is no mention of any king of Israel dying of old age or in peace. One might have. History was written mainly from the ones in the south.
In the southern kingdom of Judah, where the line of David ruled—for all but 8 years—in its 347 yearhistory starting with Rehoboam, they had 20 kings and only 4 were murdered. Three of those in rather quick succession and it had everything to do with the line of Ahab and Jezebel from Israel.
Jehorham
Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram married Athaliah. That was the political marriage for the alliance I talked about. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Jehoram and Athaliah did evil things in Judah. He killed all his brothers and they worshipped Baal.
God had raiders come and nations revolt and gave Jehoram a disease and in the second year of that disease his bowels burst out and he died in great pain.
Ahaziah
Ahaziah, (Athaliah and Jehorm’s youngest son) was made king when he was 22. His older brothers had all been killed raiders. And his mother encouraged him to do wrong. He made another alliance with the house of Ahab. He was with his cousin when Jehu started executing judgement against the house of Ahab in the northern Kingdom of Israel.
Jehu killed Ahaziah. Athaliah heard the news that her son was dead and her family was being all executed and wanted to secure her place. So she started killing everyone in David’s line.
Jesus came from David’s line. This was a pre-emptive strike against a davidic Messiah.
But Joash was one year old and the sister of the wife of Jehoidia stole him and his nurse away and he was raised in the temple for six years.
Joash
When Joash was 7, Jehoidia showed his strength and a rebellion against Athaliah occurred and she was killed. Joash was made king and all the years that Jehoidia was alive Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
The good news was Jehoidia lived 130 years.
The bad news was once Jehoidia died, Joash listened to the advice of officials and abandoned the temple and worship at the Asherah poles and idols resumed.
Jehoidia’s son was Zechariah…not the one who wrote the book; that’s Zachariah and he lived during the Babylonian exile. It’s Zechariah—not the Zechariah we’ll see in a couple generations. You’ll see why in a second.
2 Chronicles 24:20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!”
And Joash didn’t like that, so he had him stoned.
And Joash’s officials didn’t like that, so they killed him. They set him up, they’re going to take him down.
Amaziah
Then Amaziah (Joash’s son and Uzziah’s dad), became King and killed the officials who killed his father and didn’t kill their children because the law said you shouldn’t.
But when he stopped seeking God - other people killed him.
Four kings from David’s line were killed. Three of them happened within the reach of the lifetime of the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.
And that brings us to Uzziah.
King Uzziah
Uzziah reigned from 767-740 BC… He died 260 years before the Greek Classical Period.
Did you catch that?
I’ve stayed away from dates, because when I say dates people’s eyes gloss over. But you need to understand how ancient these events actually are.
In 2025, Canada is 158 years old and the US is 249 years old.
Uzziah started to reign almost 300 years before Athens defeated Persia at the Battle of Salamis. That might not be impressive to you, that that was the start of the classical period in Greece. These stories happened before Socrates and Aristotle and everything we considered classical. That’s how ancient these stories are.
2 Chronicles 26:3-5 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother was Jecoliah from Jerusalem. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success.
Remember Joash (Uzziah’s grandfather) had Jehoidia.
2 Chronicles 24:2 Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.
Uzziah had Zechariah.
2 Chronicles 26:5 Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success.
They sought God…and maybe it was to impress someone they were impressed with.
You can’t seek God to impress anyone. That can’t be your motive.
How many husbands come to church because of their wives? How many kids go through the motions because of their parents?
God has no grandchildren
What I’m trying to say is God has no grandchildren.You need to have a personal relationship with the creator of the universe.
Yes, the believing spouse can sanctify the unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:14-16). And yes, parents are told to bring up their children in the way they should go..
I’m not giving an invitation for the unbelieving spouse to remain unbelieving. And it’s not an invitation for kids to go through the motions.
This is a challenge and invitation to have a real empowering relationship with the creator of the universe. It’s for His glory that you are fully alive! Understand He is seeking for you to seek Him always. To seek Him and find Him. To seek Him and live.
Uzziah didn’t realize that.
As long a Zechariah was alive he sought the Lord and God gave him success.
He re-subjugated the Philistines. He built towers. He built cisterns. He had a well trained army. He had machines of war. Uzziah died 380 years before Alexander the Great was born. He had machines of war that could shoot arrows and hurl large stones.
It was amazing.
But as he became powerful, it led to pride and a haughty spirit led to his downfall.
He thought he was all that, and entered the temple of God to do things only priests could do. And they tried to stop him, but he got angry and swung the censor around. And as he was swinging the priests saw leprosy break out on him.
And until he died he had to live in isolation. And he was buried in a field, not with his ancestors.
And the last words on his life were “He had leprosy.”
As long a Zechariah was alive Uzziah sought the Lord and God gave him success.
Throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest, Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight.
Do you think these two kings sought God for the right reason?
Or were they trying to impress someone they were impressed with? Or impress someone they thought they had to satisfy?
What we can remember from King Uzziah: “Stay humble and keep seeking God—even when He prospers you.”
King Asa story reminds us: We need to seek His face always (Psalm 105:4) King Jehoshaphat story reminds us: We need to seek Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) King Uzziah’s story reminds us: We need to seek Him and live! (Amos 5:4)
We need to seek Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). We need to seek His face always (Psalm 105:4) . We need to seek Him and live! (Amos 5:4)
Do you?
Will you?
I was raised in the church and while I was never taught this directly, for a long time if you asked me what it meant to “seek the Lord”, I would tell you something about praying longer or praying louder or maybe fasting if the situation was really serious. I had no idea what the Bible says.
But Jeremiah 29:13 says:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
But then when I found out the Hebrew understanding of whole heart, I set off on understanding what it meant to seek God with all my heart.
Remember our heart is the seat of our decision, our emotions and our actions.
That means I make the decision to seek Him, I long for his presenceand my actions change to seek him always.
Decision -
Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
There are
7 things the Bible says we can to say to our souls:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul.” Psalm 103:1-2
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; ” Psalm 62:5
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,” Psalm 42:5
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7
“Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul.” Psalm 146:1
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5
“Seek His face! Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8
Speak to your soul and say “Seek His face.”
Have I made the decision to seek the Lord?
Emotion -
Psalm 119:2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.
Sometimes it’s the longing that gets us going. Sometimes it’s a gentle invitation that helps us to start.. When you’re seeking Him it’s joy you feel.
Am I finding joy as I seek Him?
Action -
I’ve found 14 ways to seek the Lord. 7 x 2 = 14. It's a significant number.
14 ways to seek the Lord
By praying to Him. Call upon Him and pray to Him. Jeremiah 29:12-14a
By praising and worshipping Him. Psalm 22:22
By Serving Him. with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind. 1 Chronicles 28:9
By doing good. Keep your tongue from evil, turn from evil and so good, seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:12-16 Have clean hands, pure heart, don’t lift your soul to idols, don’t swear by what is false. Psalm 24:4-6
By not doing bad. Forsake evil ways and thoughts. Isaiah 55:6-7
By confessing and repenting. when you don’t do good or if you do bad. Isaiah 55:6-7
By living humbly. Do what’s right and live humbly. Zephaniah 2:3
By expecting you’ll find Him and He’ll reward you. Hebrews 11:6 Psalm 9:10 Lamentations 3:25
By fasting. Daniel 9:3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
By obeying His Word. Psalm 119:10-11 NIV I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
By obeying His voice. Isaiah 45:19
With an event. 2 Chronicles 7:14
With your whole heart. Jeremiah 29:13
With your whole life . Psalm 37:3-5 Psalm 105:4
Do I seek him and live?
It’s glory for God for you to be fully alive.
Seek His face always (Psalm 105:4) Seek Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Seek Him and live! (Amos 5:4)
It’s not just an event it’s a lifestyle. We are entering a season where we can rely on what God’s entrusted to us and live as if we got there on our own merit. Don’t forget to Seek His face always (Psalm 105:4) Seek Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Seek Him and live! (Amos 5:4)
What would it feel like to be fully alive? In His presence is fullness of joy. Spend time in his presence and ask him how he wants you to seek him or trust him or know him more.
My experience with him calling me to seek him. I sought him and he heard me. I shared how I seek Him in prayer every day.
Explore essential tools and sources that boost gratitude on Day 52. Discover how gratitude resources enrich your daily mindset and foster positivity.
Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 52! Today we highlight powerful resources that fuel your gratitude journey. Learn how to find and use helpful tools and sources to deepen your gratitude practice. Whether you’re new or experienced, these tips will inspire you to stay thankful every day. Subscribe for daily gratitude inspiration and practical advice to boost your mindset!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 52 - Thankful Resources
Gratitude Challenge Day 52: Thankful Resources
Are you searching for ways to deepen your gratitude journey? Whether you’re on day one or day fifty-two, discovering and using the right gratitude resources can transform your perspective. Today, we’ll explore powerful tools, inspiring ideas, and faith-based approaches to cultivating thankfulness in everyday life.
Understanding Gratitude Resources
Gratitude resources are anything that helps you recognize, record, or reflect on what you’re thankful for. From journals to apps to Bible studies, these resources make it easier to develop a habit of thankfulness. As Christians, we find extra encouragement in scripture and community support.
Related Keywords:
Christian gratitude tools
Faith-based thankfulness
Scripture for gratitude
Daily gratitude practices
Why Use Gratitude Resources?
Many people ask, “Why do I need gratitude resources?” Here’s why:
Consistency: Tools help you stay on track each day.
Reflection: They encourage deeper moments of thankfulness.
Spiritual Growth: Faith-based resources connect gratitude to your relationship with God.
Colossians 3:16 reminds us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The right resources can help you do just that.
Top Gratitude Resources for Christians
Here are some effective ways to integrate Christian gratitude tools into your daily routine:
1. Gratitude Journals
Keeping a journal is simple yet powerful. Try these tips:
Write three things you’re thankful for every morning.
Include a Bible verse that inspires you, like Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
2. Bible Study Plans
Many devotionals focus on thankfulness. These plans often include:
Daily scripture readings (e.g., Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving…”)
Reflection questions
Prayer prompts
3. Gratitude Apps
Apps can remind you to pause and give thanks throughout the day. Look for features like:
Christian meditation tracks
Daily verse notifications
Prayer journaling
4. Community Groups
Joining a small group or online forum provides accountability and encouragement. Consider:
Weekly check-ins
Sharing testimonies of answered prayers
Group prayer sessions
Frequently Asked Questions About Gratitude Resources
Q: Can I practice gratitude without extra tools? Absolutely! Resources simply help you stay motivated and organized.
Q: Are there free Christian gratitude resources available? Yes. Many churches offer free devotional guides and online communities.
Q: How do I use scripture in my gratitude practice? Choose a verse each week to memorize or pray over. Reflect on its meaning as you journal.
Conclusion: Embrace Thankful Living Today
Gratitude resources make it easier to weave thankfulness into your daily life. Whether you journal, join a group, or dive into scripture, every step brings you closer to a grateful heart grounded in faith.
Have a favourite gratitude resource? Share it below! Comment, subscribe for more daily challenges, and help others discover the joy of thankful living.
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Let’s continue this journey together—one thankful day at a time!
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
Can journaling really make a difference in feeling grateful?
Yes, journaling can significantly enhance feelings of gratitude. Research shows that gratitude journaling promotes positive emotions and improves overall well-being. Here are key points on how journaling can make a difference, along with relevant studies:
1. Increased Awareness
Mindfulness: Journaling encourages mindfulness by prompting individuals to reflect on positive experiences. This awareness can lead to a greater appreciation for life.
2. Positive Emotion Amplification
Focus on Positives: Writing about things you are grateful for reinforces positive emotions. This can help counteract negative thoughts and feelings.
3. Emotional Processing
Coping Strategy: Journaling allows for emotional expression, helping individuals process their feelings. This can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.
4. Enhanced Well-Being
Overall Happiness: Studies indicate that gratitude journaling is linked to increased life satisfaction and happiness.
Relevant Studies
Emmons & McCullough (2003): In this foundational study, participants who kept a gratitude journal reported higher levels of positive affect, optimism, and life satisfaction compared to those who focused on daily hassles.
Seligman et al. (2005): This study examined the effects of various positive psychology interventions. Participants who engaged in gratitude journaling showed significant improvements in well-being and decreased depressive symptoms.
Wood et al. (2010): This research found that participants who practiced gratitude through journaling experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the mental health benefits of this practice.
Gordon et al. (2015): This study explored how gratitude journaling affected college students, revealing that those who engaged in gratitude practices reported lower levels of perceived stress and improved mental health.
Keng et al. (2011): This study found that gratitude journaling improved psychological health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of regular reflection on positive experiences.
In summary, gratitude journaling can lead to increased feelings of gratitude, enhanced emotional well-being, and reduced stress and anxiety. The studies cited provide strong evidence supporting the positive impact of journaling on mental health and overall happiness.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Discover fresh inspiration every day with the Daily Blog posts at RevTrev.com/blog! When you join the Gratitude HUB through the Course + Community or Course + Community + Clarity options at https://revtrev.link/thanks you’ll also unlock exclusive access to these daily updates right inside your HUB. Whether you want practical tips, uplifting stories, or encouragement for your gratitude journey, the Daily Blog keeps you connected and motivated. Start each day with new insights and stay engaged with a supportive community that shares your passion for grateful living.
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Celebrate Day 51 of the Gratitude Challenge by counting your blessings. Boost positivity and happiness by reflecting on what you’re thankful for today!
Welcome to Day 51 of the Gratitude Challenge! Today, we focus on counting our blessings and appreciating what we have. Join us to boost positivity and happiness by reflecting on the good in your life. Share your blessings in the comments and inspire others on their gratitude journey!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 51 - Counting Blessings
Gratitude Challenge Day 51 – Counting Blessings
Are you ready to deepen your journey in the Gratitude Challenge? Whether you started on day one or just joined, today’s focus on counting blessings is a powerful way to transform your perspective. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, intentionally recognizing our blessings is a practical step toward lasting joy and peace. Let’s explore how this simple act can shape your faith and daily life.
Why Counting Blessings Matters
The Bible encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Yet, it’s easy to overlook daily gifts amid routines and challenges. By actively counting blessings, you’ll:
Shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant.
Strengthen your relationship with God through thankfulness.
Cultivate resilience during tough times
Related Keywords:
Christian gratitude
Blessings in the Bible
Thankfulness journal
How to Start Counting Blessings
You might wonder: How do I count my blessings in a meaningful way? Here are simple, actionable steps:
1. Keep a Thankfulness Journal
Writing down your blessings each day creates a record of God’s faithfulness. Try this:
List three things each morning or evening for which you’re grateful.
Be specific—“a warm cup of coffee,” “an encouraging conversation,” or “God’s forgiveness.”
2. Reflect on Bible Verses
Scripture is full of examples encouraging gratitude. Consider:
Psalm 103:2 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”
Reflecting on these verses reminds us that every blessing, big or small, comes from God.
3. Share Your Blessings
Blessings multiply when shared! Talk about what you’re thankful for with friends or family. You can even post on social media to inspire others in their own Gratitude Challenge.
Overcoming Challenges in Counting Blessings
Some days, finding blessings feels hard. Here’s what to do when gratitude doesn’t come easily:
Pause and Pray: Ask God to open your eyes to His goodness.
Start Small: Even in trials, look for little things—a smile, a safe drive, daily bread.
Stay Consistent: Make counting blessings a habit, not a one-time act.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Gratitude Challenge
Q: Do I need a fancy gratitude journal? A: No! Any notebook works. The key is consistency, not appearance.
Q: What if I repeat blessings? A: That’s okay. Repetition reinforces gratitude and reminds you of ongoing gifts.
Q: How does gratitude affect my faith? A: Focusing on blessings helps you trust God’s provision and deepens your relationship with Him.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Thankfulness
Day 51 of the Gratitude Challenge isn’t just another day—it’s a chance to see God’s hand in your life. As you count your blessings, watch how your heart and mind shift toward joy, peace, and renewed faith. Remember Philippians 4:6—pray with thanksgiving and experience God’s peace.
Ready to share?
Comment below with three blessings you’re thankful for today! Don’t forget to share this post with someone who needs encouragement and subscribe for more inspiration. Let’s continue this journey—together.
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
How does gratitude help in reducing stress and anxiety?
Gratitude has been shown to effectively reduce stress and anxiety through various mechanisms. Here are key points explaining how it works, along with relevant studies:
1. Positive Emotion Regulation
Shift in Focus: Gratitude encourages individuals to focus on positive aspects of life. This shift can counteract negative thoughts that often contribute to stress and anxiety.
2. Enhanced Resilience
Coping Mechanism: Practicing gratitude helps build resilience. It allows individuals to better cope with stressors by fostering a more optimistic outlook on life.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Better Rest: Grateful individuals often report improved sleep quality. Better sleep contributes to lower stress and anxiety levels, creating a beneficial cycle.
4. Strengthened Relationships
Social Support: Gratitude promotes positive interactions and strengthens social bonds, which can provide emotional support during stressful times.
5. Biological Impact
Lower Stress Hormones: Studies indicate that gratitude can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone), thus reducing overall stress responses.
Relevant Studies
Emmons & McCullough (2003): This study found that participants who kept gratitude journals reported fewer symptoms of physical illness and felt more optimistic about their lives.
Wood et al. (2010): This research demonstrated that gratitude was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. The study highlighted the role of gratitude in enhancing psychological well-being.
Hoffman et al. (2013): This study found that participants who practiced gratitude showed lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not engage in gratitude practices.
Seligman et al. (2005): This research indicated that gratitude exercises significantly increased well-being and decreased depressive symptoms, demonstrating a positive impact on mental health.
Gordon et al. (2015): This study explored the effects of gratitude on stress management in college students, showing that those who practiced gratitude had lower levels of perceived stress.
In summary, gratitude practices can lead to significant reductions in stress and anxiety by promoting positive emotions, enhancing resilience, improving sleep, strengthening relationships, and lowering stress hormones. The studies listed provide valuable insights into the benefits of gratitude for mental health and well-being.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Looking for a simple way to boost your mood, shift your mindset, and bring more positivity into every day? Tune in to the Live LIGHT Daily Gratitude Podcast during the live campaign of the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge. Each short episode gives you practical gratitude prompts, encouragement, and reflections to help you embrace thankfulness—no matter what life throws your way. Whether you’re on the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or just want a daily boost, these podcasts will guide you to give thanks with your whole heart and see the difference it makes. Listen now at https://revtrev.com/radio and start your day with gratitude!
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
