The Gift of Writing: Honoring God With Gratefulness

“Say thank you!” On any given day, I tell my kids to say thank you countless times. I tell them to thank the waiter at the restaurant, their teachers at the end of the school day, the friendly woman in the store giving compliments, and even to thank me when I fill up their water bottles for the umpteenth time. However, I’ve noticed there’s often a disconnect between the (forced) words coming out of their mouths and the heart behind them. 

As I’ve reflected on this season of Thanksgiving, I’ve been prompted to stop and seek out what it truly looks like to both write and live with a spirit of gratitude. Does it mean we walk around casually thanking everyone for little things throughout our day? Or is it more than that? How can we align our motives and our actions so what we write honors God?

When we write, we are stewarding the gift God has given us. Here are three truths from Scripture we can apply to practice true gratitude and honor God in our writing.

1. Learn To Be Content.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13, ESV). 

When was the last time you said, “I have enough,” and believed it in your heart? 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our writing and writing journeys with others, but if we are to truly have a spirit of gratitude, we must first learn how to be content in every circumstance. Greed and discontent will breed bitterness and selfishness. Look up, look out, and find your satisfaction in the only One who can satisfy.

2. Rely on Truth.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV).

It’s easy to push thankfulness to the wayside when we feel anxious, depressed, tired or discouraged. However, even when we don’t “feel” thankful, the Truth of Scripture remains.

When you don’t feel thankful, try to write out truths from the Word to combat your emotions and shift your heart. For example:

• God’s love never ceases.
• His mercies are endless.
• God provides enough mercy for me today (and will provide enough tomorrow for tomorrow).
• He is faithful!

3. Recognize Blessings.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” (Psalm 84:11-12, ESV).

Lastly, true gratitude is a result of having the right perspective. Our hearts and mindsets change when we recognize all we have, including our gift of writing, is a result of the Lord’s provision. This may not mean that our circumstances are perfect or even good by the world’s standards, but it does mean God is in control of our day. 

Consider spending a designated time each day simply identifying blessings from the Lord in your life. 

While there may be a disconnect between my kids saying thank you and the state of their hearts, I was also reminded that we teach gratitude by practicing true gratitude each and every day. I pray that both my writing and my “thank-you’s” reflect a genuine spirit of gratitude. 

In Christ,

Samantha Decker

What are you genuinely thankful for in this season? How can you use the gift of writing to express your gratefulness and honor God? Express your gratitude in the comments below.