As mentioned in a previous post, Abide [a Christian meditation app] has become a huge part of my morning routine. Waking up early and spending time with God has helped set the tone for the rest of my day—bringing more peace and less stress. One practice I’ve found super useful is gratitude.

gratitude

the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

When we practice gratitude and give thanks to God, we have more joy in our lives and in our relationship with Him. Both gratitude and joy are linked—and so, when we meditate and practice these things, we notice changes in our mentality, understanding of God, and our lives as a whole. In scripture, God commands His people to give thanks in all circumstances. When we are thankful, our focus moves off selfish desires and off the pain of current circumstances. God recognises the struggles we face; in the book of Psalms, we read the rawness and vulnerability from the likes of Solomon, David, Moses etc. They took their struggles to God and paired them with prayer, hopeful faith, and thanksgiving. Expressing thankfulness helped them [and helps us] remember that God is in control. It reminds us of the bigger picture, that we belong to God, and that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.

I hope the following Bible verses can be the basis for your meditation—especially uplifting in the morning. You can either read the verses out loud or silently, memorise and recite them, or listen to an audio recording of them. 

Bible Verses for Meditation

Psalm 7:17 “I will thank the LORD because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”

Psalm 50:23 “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

Colossians 3:15-16 “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:28 “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”