We’ve all heard that gratitude is important, but have you ever stopped to think about why it matters so much especially in our walk with God? Prophet Alex Armstrong shared a powerful message recently about how gratitude isn’t just good manners; it’s actually a spiritual principle that positions us for even greater blessings. When we recognize and appreciate what God has already done, it’s like we’re saying, “I trust You, and I know You’ll keep providing.” That kind of faith doesn’t go unnoticed. Scripture backs this up Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him, and that man received something even greater: not just healing, but wholeness (Luke 17:11-19). Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the God who’s already working behind the scenes.
Think about it like this: if you give someone a gift and they barely acknowledge it, you might hesitate to give them more. But when they’re genuinely thankful, it makes you want to bless them again. God isn’t petty, but He does respond to a thankful heart. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice it doesn’t say for all circumstances but in them. Even when things aren’t perfect, gratitude keeps our hearts open to God’s goodness. Prophet Armstrong pointed out that complaining blocks blessings, but thankfulness invites them. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine it’s about trusting that God is still moving even when we can’t see it yet.
Another reason gratitude is so powerful is that it changes us before it changes our circumstances. When we’re constantly focused on what we don’t have, we live in a mindset of scarcity. But thankfulness reminds us of God’s faithfulness how He’s come through before, and how He’ll do it again. David wrote in Psalm 103:2, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” He was literally coaching himself to remember God’s goodness! Prophet Armstrong emphasized that gratitude isn’t just a reaction to blessings; it’s an attitude that attracts them. The more we practice thankfulness, the more we start to see God’s hand in even the small things and that builds our faith for the big things.
Some people think God only blesses those who “earn” it through hard work or perfect behavior, but that’s not what Scripture teaches. God blesses us because He’s good, not because we are. But gratitude aligns our hearts with His generosity. Jesus said in Matthew 25:29, “To those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance.” At first glance, that might sound unfair, but in context, it’s about stewardship how we handle what we’ve already been given. If we’re faithful and thankful in the small things, God entrusts us with more. Prophet Armstrong put it this way: “Gratitude is the soil where miracles grow.” When we water our lives with thankfulness, we create an environment where God’s blessings can multiply.
Ever noticed how some people just seem to have favor everywhere they go? It’s not luck it’s often because they carry an attitude of gratitude. They don’t take things for granted, and that humility opens doors. Proverbs3:3-4 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you… Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Thankfulness is a form of faithfulness it shows we don’t take God’s gifts lightly. Prophet Armstrong shared stories of people who saw sudden breakthroughs after shifting from complaining to praising. It’s not magic; it’s spiritual principle. When we’re grateful, we’re easier to bless because we’re not stuck in a cycle of negativity. God can trust us with more because we won’t waste it or act entitled.
Let’s be real life isn’t always easy, and some days, gratitude feels like the last thing on our minds. But that’s when it’s most powerful. Habakkuk 3:17-18 is one of the rawest examples: even if the crops fail and life falls apart, the prophet says, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” That kind of thankfulness isn’t denial; it’s defiance against despair. Prophet Armstrong reminded us that gratitude isn’t about ignoring your pain but declaring God’s goodness in spite of it.When we thank God in the storm, we’re not just surviving we’re preparing for the abundance on the other side.
Here’s the thing: gratitude isn’t just a one-time prayer; it’s a lifestyle. The more we do it, the more natural it becomes. Phillipians 4:6 tells us to present our requests to God “with thanksgiving,” which means our prayers should be soaked in gratitude before we even see the answer. Prophet Armstrong challenged the congregation to start every day by naming three things they’re thankful for no matter how small. Over time, that habit rewires our brains to spot blessings instead of problems. And when God sees that we’re faithful with the little, He knows He can trust us with much (Luke 16:10).
Some of us are waiting for a big breakthrough before we start thanking God, but that’s backward. The breakthrough often follows the praise. Remember Paul and Silas in Acts 16? They were beaten and thrown in prison, but at midnight, they started praying and singing hymns. Then God showed up with an earthquake that broke their chains! Prophet Armstrong made it clear: gratitude isn’t the result of victory; its the path to it. When we praise God in advance, we’re activating our faith. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” We don’t wait until we’re inside to thank Him we thank our way in.
Don’t let complaining steal what thankfulness can unlock. Start small. Count your blessings literally. Write them down, speak them out, and watch how God multiplies them. As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” And what better way to draw near than with a heart full of thanks?