7 Life-Changing Gratitude Activities to Try Today
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard things; it’s about anchoring our hearts in the goodness of God even when life feels uncertain. It’s a posture, a practice, a way of stepping closer to the heart of God.
Scripture reminds us,
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
If you’re longing for more joy, more contentment, and more awareness of God’s presence, here are some ways gratitude will change your life and 7 simple activities you can start today.
How Gratitude Changes Your Life
- Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what God is already doing.
- Gratitude strengthens your emotional resilience. By remembering God’s faithfulness, your heart grows stronger through trials (Nehemiah 8:10).
- Gratitude deepens your relationship with God, becoming a form of worship and drawing your heart closer to His.
- Gratitude increases your joy. The more you give thanks, the more joy begins to overflow in unexpected moments.
- Gratitude nurtures healthier relationships. Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships and encourages mutual kindness.
- Gratitude reduces stress and anxiety, quieting the noise of worry as your mind meditates on God’s goodness instead of fear.
- Gratitude makes you more present. It slows you down enough to notice the beautiful moments right in front of you.
1. Create a Gratitude Jar
Grab a jar, a cup, or even a box, whatever you have around your home. Each day, write down one thing you’re thankful for and tuck it inside.
As the jar fills, you’ll begin to see God’s faithfulness stacking up, one small moment at a time.
On tough days, pull out a few notes and let them remind you of God’s never-ending goodness.
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1
2. Express Gratitude to Someone You Love
Gratitude grows when it’s shared. Take time to acknowledge a person who has impacted your life for the better.
Not sure where to begin?
Here’s how to say "thank you" (and mean it) to those you love:
- Make a list of people who have blessed you or inspired you.
- Choose one or two to appreciate this week.
- Decide how you want to express your thanks (write a letter or card, craft a small gift, send flowers, invite them for coffee, etc.)
- Schedule a time to connect in person, on a call, or over video.
- When you meet, share your gratitude honestly and directly.
- Repeat this as often as you’d like with different people.
- To make it a rhythm, set a recurring reminder to express gratitude regularly (more on that later).
Your words and presence may be exactly what their heart needs today.
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
3. Keep a Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is a safe place your heart can return to again and again.
At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for, big or small.
Over time, this simple practice trains your mind to notice God’s goodness in real time.
(Spoiler: We’ve already made one for you! The Joy Journal offers 6 weeks of guided gratitude prompts and journaling space.)
“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.” Psalm 9:1
4. Set Gratitude Alarms
Choose a few moments throughout your day, maybe 9am, noon, and 7pm, and set alarms as a reminder to pause and give thanks.
Even a 10-second prayer can shift the atmosphere of your day.
When the alarm rings, simply take a breath and whisper, “Thank You, Lord.” If you have time, get more specific about what you’re grateful to God for.
Need ideas? Here are 10 things you can thank God for today.
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
5. Go on a Gratitude Walk
Step outside. Walk slowly. Notice intentionally. The warmth of the sun, the sound of leaves, the kindness of a stranger…God speaks through the ordinary if we pay attention.
A gratitude walk turns an everyday moment into a sacred conversation with God.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
6. Create a Gratitude Mood Board
Gather photos, quotes, Scriptures, prayers, and memories that remind you of God’s goodness.
This can be a physical board or a digital one on Pinterest or Canva.
Update it as you go, letting it grow with you through every season.
Place it somewhere you can see often as a visual reminder of Philippians 4:8:
“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just… meditate on these things.”
7. Read a Gratitude Passage as a Prayer
One of the most beautiful ways to practice gratitude is by praying Scripture.
Try praying through Psalm 103:1–5 today:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things…”
Read it slowly, line by line, letting your soul remember the goodness of your God.
_______
When you choose thankfulness, you’re choosing to see His hand in your everyday life. And that choice can truly change everything.
Which practice will you try first today?