As we kick off our 40 Days of Gratitude campaign today, we embark on a journey that goes beyond simply giving thanks for good moments. Over the next several weeks, our goal is to grow in grace and joy, allowing God to transform our hearts into ones that reflect gratitude in all circumstances. Part of this journey is a daily gratitude journal, a tool to help each of us reflect on God’s blessings and cultivate thankfulness not just in times of joy, but throughout every aspect of life.
(If you don’t have a “40 Days of Gratitude” daily gratitude journal, you can pick one up at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Salem, Oregon or download one from our website: www.redeemer-lcms.org.)
Gratitude is integral — perhaps even foundational — to our faith. Today, we will focus on worship and its foundational role in our lives as Christians. True worship is rooted in gratitude for who God is and what He has done for us.
What is Worship?
Worship, at its core, is an act of reverence, adoration, and devotion directed toward something or someone we consider sacred or supremely important. In the world around us, people worship many things—money, power, ideologies, causes, even beauty. Often, worship is transactional, where people hope to gain something in return, whether it be power, status, societal change, or admiration. This type of worship is focused on what we can receive from what we revere.
However, Christian worship is fundamentally different. It is not about trying to get something from God. Instead, Christian worship begins with God Himself. It is an expression of gratitude for what has already been given: the gift of grace through Jesus Christ. Our worship flows from our recognition of who God is—our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer—and from our thankfulness for what He has done in our lives.
Gratitude in Christian Worship
The Bible gives us countless examples of gratitude as a central aspect of worship. Psalm 100:4 (ESV) declares, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” This verse reminds us that our approach to God should be marked by thanksgiving. God’s grace draws us into His presence, and our response is gratitude for the many gifts of forgiveness and new life He has giving us in Jesus Christ. The sacraments — Baptism and the Lord’s Supper — are an integral part of Christian life.
In Baptism, we are welcomed into God’s family and washed clean by His grace. Whether we find ourselves in seasons of joy or hardship, we can always be thankful that we belong to Him. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:12 (ESV), we are “God's chosen ones, holy and beloved.” This identity, sealed in our Baptism, is a gift to be grateful for every day.
The Lord’s Supper, or Eucharist, is another profound expression of gratitude in the Christian life. The very word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning “thanksgiving.” When we participate in the Lord’s Supper, we remember Christ’s death and resurrection, and we receive the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life. It is a meal of gratitude, where we give thanks for the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Gratitude in All Circumstances: The Example of Paul and Silas
While it’s easy to be thankful in times of abundance, the Bible calls us to a deeper gratitude—one that persists in all circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV), Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” But how can we be grateful in every situation, especially in times of suffering? Paul wrote about giving thanks in difficult or painful circumstances from the perspective of lived experience.
The story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 offers a powerful example of gratitude in difficult times. After being beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas didn’t despair. Instead, “about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25, ESV). Their gratitude wasn’t based on their circumstances, but on their trust in God’s presence and power. Even in the midst of suffering, they chose to praise God, demonstrating that gratitude is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s work, even in hardship.
Like Paul and Silas, we can choose to be grateful, trusting that God is with us and working through every situation. Gratitude shifts our perspective and allows us to see God’s grace in every moment, even when life is hard.
The Danger of Life Without Gratitude
A life without gratitude can lead to resentment, entitlement, jealousy, bitterness, and even despair. Without a heart of thankfulness, it’s easy to fall into discontentment, focusing on what we lack rather than the blessings we’ve been given. Gratitude, on the other hand, transforms our hearts and minds, helping us to see life through the lens of God’s grace.
Paul encourages us in Colossians 3:15 (ESV) to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” This kind of gratitude isn’t dependent on external circumstances; it’s a choice to recognize God’s presence and faithfulness, no matter what.
Three Ways to Let Gratitude Shape Your Life
As we enter this 40 Days of Gratitude, there are three practical steps you can take to cultivate a heart of thankfulness:
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Cultivate Daily Gratitude, Especially in Tough Times
Gratitude is a practice that we can train ourselves to develop. Just as firefighters train to run into a burning building, we can train our hearts to be instinctively grateful. Using the 40-day gratitude journal, make it a habit to name three things each day that you’re thankful for. This discipline will help you focus on God’s blessings, even when they seem hard to find. -
Let Your Identity in Christ Shape Your Perspective
Remember that you are baptized and belong to God. No matter what challenges you face, your identity as a child of God is secure. This knowledge can give you peace and strength, even in the most difficult times. When life is overwhelming, remind yourself of your Baptism and the promise that God will never leave you. -
Build Gratitude through Spiritual Practices
Gratitude grows when we stay connected to God through the classic Christian habits of worship, the Lord’s Supper, Bible study, prayer, and meditation. These practices remind us of God’s grace and draw us closer to Him, helping us develop a heart of thankfulness.
Gratitude Is a Response to Grace
Gratitude is more than just a feeling—it’s a response to the incredible grace we have received through Jesus Christ. As we begin these 40 days, I encourage you to embrace gratitude, even if you’re skeptical. Consider it an experiment. What do you have to lose by spending 5–10 minutes each day reflecting on God’s blessings?
Whether you’re experiencing joy or hardship, you have countless reasons to give thanks. Let’s spend the next 40 days cultivating a heart of gratitude for all that God has given us, through His creation, His people, and most of all, through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Much grace and peace to you!
