I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little tired of all the negativity. It’s everywhere—scroll through social media, turn on the news, or even just listen to conversations around you. It seems like people have made a sport out of complaining and criticizing. Whether it's the weather, the traffic, or something as trivial as what’s in the fridge, the art of complaining has become a part of our daily routine.

Think about it. How often do we hear (or even say):

• "It’s too hot."
• "It’s too cold."
• "This traffic is insane!"
• "There’s nothing to eat in this fridge!

It’s as if we’ve trained ourselves to see the negative before we even consider the positive. We’ve gotten so good at nitpicking that we overlook the good that’s right in front of us.
I’ve caught myself doing it, too. Just the other day, I stood in front of a fridge full of food, muttering, "There’s nothing to eat." Of course, that wasn’t true—there was plenty to eat. It just wasn’t what I wanted at the time. In moments like that, it hits me: if I’m not careful, I can easily overlook my blessings and slip into a pattern of complaining.

Here’s the thing: gratitude has the power to break this cycle. When we choose to focus on what’s good—what’s right—we shift our perspective. Instead of seeing what we lack, we see what we already have, and that changes everything.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible illustrates this perfectly. In Luke 17:11-19, we read about the ten men with leprosy who called out to Jesus for healing. Jesus, full of compassion, healed all ten of them, but only one came back to say thank you. Only one, a Samaritan—an outsider—returned to express gratitude.

Jesus asked a pointed question: "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?"
This story hits hard because it shows how easy it is to receive blessings without acknowledging the One who gives them.

The Power of Gratitude

I’ve learned something important about gratitude:

• Gratitude unlocks contentment.
• Gratitude leads to generosity.
• Gratitude opens the door to transformation.

When we intentionally choose gratitude, it reshapes the way we see everything. It shifts our focus from complaining about the things we wish were different to appreciating what God has already done in our lives. It’s a heart posture that invites joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Often, what keeps us from being grateful is our constant desire for more. We want the bigger house, the nicer car, the next promotion, or that vacation we can’t afford right now. We become so focused on what we don’t have that we fail to see the abundance of blessings God has already given us.

Philippians 4:11-13 speaks to this:
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."

Paul’s secret? Gratitude. He understood that true contentment doesn’t come from having more—it comes from appreciating what you already have.

Recognize that every good thing comes from God

James 1:17 tells us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights."Everything good in your life—your relationships, your health, your opportunities—are gifts from God. When we start viewing our lives through this lens, we become more aware of just how blessed we truly are.

Stop letting your wants rob you of joy
In our culture, we’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need more to be happy. But that’s simply not true. Gratitude helps us stop chasing after the next big thing and start finding joy in what we already have.

Turn every blessing into praise
Psalm 103:2 reminds us: "Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me." Every time we experience something good, big or small, it’s an opportunity to thank God. When we regularly turn our blessings into praise, we keep ourselves grounded in gratitude rather than slipping into entitlement or dissatisfaction.

In a world that’s quick to complain, choose to be different. Be the one who returns to give thanks, like the Samaritan leper. While the other nine moved on with their lives, the one who came back to express gratitude found something deeper—he found peace and wholeness.

Ask yourself:

• Are you focusing more on what you don’t have than what you do?
• Are you more like the nine who moved on or the one who returned?

This week, take some time to pause and reflect on the blessings in your life. When you recognize them, turn those moments into praise. Gratitude is a choice we make every day, and it’s a choice that leads to joy, contentment, and a closer relationship with God.

Let’s turn down the volume on negativity and turn up the praise. Choose gratitude, and watch how it changes everything.

Next Steps:

• Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
• Take time in your prayers this week to specifically thank God for the blessings in your life.
• Share your gratitude with others—encourage someone by thanking them for how they’ve impacted your life.

Remember: Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. Let’s start today.