Have you ever noticed how easy it is to focus on what’s going wrong instead of what’s going right? Life can feel overwhelming at times, but pausing each day to count your blessings can shift your heart and mindset in powerful ways. That’s where a daily gratitude journal comes in- it helps you slow down, reflect, and remember God’s goodness in both the big and small moments of your day.
What is a Gratitude Journal?
It’s a simple but effective way to recognize and appreciate the gifts, blessings, and positive aspects of your life you are grateful for. It helps focus our attention on gratitude towards God and helps it become a habit.
Feelings of gratitude are a positive emotion that becomes a great way to pause, take a breath, and reflect. We fill our hearts and minds with His goodness instead of the distressing circumstances that come with the tough days.
After all– “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you, I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2.
An attitude of gratitude is an important part of our Christian life, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. With practice, we can always find a reason to praise and express gratitude to God, even in the most difficult times.
Benefits of Gratitude Journaling
The gratitude journal benefits are many!
•It turns our hearts and focus on God. While it is wonderful to be grateful and appreciative of all the good things He gives, it should come from a place of focusing on God first. He is all we need; His grace is sufficient for us.
•A gratitude mindset changes the perspective of our life’s circumstances- it can help us become more optimistic, aware of our surroundings, and less centered on ourselves.
•It teaches us to see the joy in the little things in life and the beauty in the every day. Slowing down to think about what we are grateful for helps us not take them for granted.
•It also helps us want to bless others and put our gratitude into action!
•Concentrating on our blessings makes it hard to feel stressed, anxious, prideful, or sad.
•A consistent gratitude practice can improve your physical health and mental health.¹
How to Keep a Gratitude Journal
You don’t need to have a pretty journal, but it doesn’t hurt. 😊 There are many different types of journals. My own gratitude journal lately has been the back of my daily Bible verse reading plan, but I started with an old ugly cast-off steno journal!
Free Gratitude Journal
I recently got a bug to make my own and I’m making it available for free to you to help you get started!
It’s very simple- a cover page and 7 different gratitude pages (with Scripture) you can print off as you need them. Just click on the image below to download and print/save from my Resource Page.
•It’s important to write out either on paper or digitally those things you are grateful for. It gives you something to look back on and marvel at the faithfulness of God.
•Be specific- watch for the small things that bring you joy and gratitude.
•Try not to repeat, but dig deeper, reflect hour by hour on the previous day or what is ahead of you.
How to Start a Gratitude Journal
●Commit to a time of day– I journal in the morning, but I recently heard about the positives of journaling your gratitude at the end of the day.
Some believe that people who practice gratitude journaling before bed can sleep better. Instead of going to sleep with all the stressful stuff in your life swirling in your thoughts, let gratitude take its place.
That being said-
●Choose a time that works best for you. It may be your child’s naptime, early morning when it’s quiet, or in the evening. Whatever works for you helps make it a habit you can continue.
Be flexible until you find a time and daily routine that works. Set a timer or alarm on your phone if that helps you to remember or keep at it.
●Begin with a daily practice– My daily practice has never gotten “old” or less important. Some think that 2-3 times a week is sufficient so that it doesn’t become too routine. It takes about a month for us to make something a habit, so I recommend at least starting daily.
●Write at least 3 things you are grateful for- of course you can always write more! Try to be detailed in your descriptions, not just have a list of things.
Come up with new things each day; they can be simple- the people you interact with, experiences, emotions, even hard things. We can always find something to be grateful for in our difficult situations- a kind and knowledgeable doctor, a comforting friend, a Bible verse that comforted us, etc.
If you get stuck, ask God to show you the love, care, comfort, and beauty that He has surrounded you with. Sit quietly and listen for His response.
●Take your time- don’t rush through the process just to get it off your plate. Try to minimize distractions so you can focus your thoughts on what you’re grateful for.
Gratitude Journaling Prompts
Sometimes it can be helpful (and fun) to use gratitude journal prompts. Some days are just harder than others, and you could use some help. Journaling prompts can also spark gratitude on other topics. Here are just a few to get you started:
What is a cherished childhood memory? What friend are you most grateful for, and why?
Name your best skill or talent. Of your 5 senses, which ones are you most grateful for?
Printable Gratitude List
Here is a printable version of Gratitude Prompts (plus many extras.) Click on the image and find it under “Graphics” on my Resource Page:
Bible Verses about Gratitude
You can also use Bible verses to help you cultivate a habit of gratitude.
As you read them, write what brings you joy, comfort, gratitude, and thanks. You can even let them be starting points for more thanks and praise as the Spirit leads you.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” Psalm 28:7.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17.
Daily Gratitude
Give the practice of gratitude journaling a try to see for yourself how beneficial it can be. Taking a few moments each day to relish the moments, big and small, help us appreciate all the wonderful gifts and blessings the Lord has given.
As you continue in a daily gratitude practice, you will notice your attitude changing. You will have a more positive mindset and see more and more to be grateful for. You will see His great love in everything from the starry heavens to that first morning sip of coffee or tea.
Choose gratitude! It will cost you nothing except a few moments in your day and can change your life!
Blessings,
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva