I know for most of us 2020 has been a doozy. Surprises, challenges and hardships leading to mental and emotional issues no longer surprise us. For my family, physical and spiritual crisis, job issues, and a cancer scare have compounded the communal stress and anxiety of an unprecedented (anyone tired of that word yet?) year. I know many of you could add your own hard stuff to this list.
I have found joy – the command to rejoice always – particularly challenging. So I am very intentionally searching for inspiration toward gratitude and a cheerful heart. When King David was fleeing his son, who was trying to kill him (I’m not sure it gets tougher than that!), David called out to God, But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3 NIV If David could recognize all God does for Him in that situation, I can allow Him to pick my chin up in all this.
Maybe you could use a little help in this area too? I collected some scripture and quotes that help me put things in perspective and feel joy – thankfulness, even. So for your reading and meditating pleasure:
Scripture
(from the NIV unless otherwise noted)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart triumphs, And with my song I shall thank Him. Psalm 28:7 NASB
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, Psalm 50:14
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3
Quotes
(not Holy scripture, but still good!)
“Gratitude is the heart’s memory”. – French Proverb
“When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.” – Elie Wiesel (concentration camp survivor)
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” Russell H. Conwell
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Voltaire
“Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” Doris Day
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” H A Ironside
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Lauren I love this idea, the scriptures are just what I needed to hear, especially today. The quotes are SO good! Thank you!!!
I’m so glad, Donna. Thank you.
Lots of truth to chew on! I think finding joy has been a challenge for many of us during this crazy, frustrating time.
I agree, Donna. Thank you.
Lauren, I love this idea! The scriptures are so encouraging and help me get my perspective where it needs to be. And I am a huge fan of inspirational quotes, and you have chosen some good ones! Thank you!
Thanks, Donna.
Thank you for your encouragement. It amazes me that simple words can change your day. These verses can lead to joy from the depths of depression. And change your day.
Sorry for the redundancy. I posted before reading.
I’m counting on that Patricia!
Thank you for the great collection of scripture and quotes. I’ve never thought about that verse in Psalms being set in one of David’s darkest hours. We have a lot to learn (and practice), don’t we?
Practice makes perfect. Maybe not on this side of heaven, but the concept is still solid!
Such an encouraging post in Scriptures and quotes! Grateful I stopped here this morning!
I’m grateful you stopped too! Thank you, Joanne.
Definitely an encouragement in a world that is spinning!
Thank you, Susan.
Thank you for the wonderful encouragment. Maree
Thank you, Maree.
Thank you for such an encouraging post, Glory to God. Blessings.
Thank you, Paula.
Fabulous post, Lauren! I am struggling with the same and I feel like a shift in perspective is usually all it takes to get back on track to a place of joy. However, shifting my perspective these days as become quite difficult. These reminders are so helpful! I love the Doris Day quote…“Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.” Thanks for sharing and linking with me. I am sending you lots of prayers and positive energy, my friend. I know we can all use a little bit more of those right now.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you for the prayers, Shelbee. I’ll be praying for you too!
Thank you for the inspiration, Lauren. We all could use some uplifting messages right now. Love that French Proverb. I never heard it before!
I know I can, Laurie!
beautiful post of encouragement. Thank you!
Thank you, Mariel.
Wow! Some awesome quotes i haven’t heard before.
I’m so glad, Mandy!