Gratitude and Your Mood

The Apostle Paul noted that people would be increasingly selfish and unthankful at the end of the age (2 Timothy 3:2). Today, as we look around society, we see many self-centered and unthankful people who are not happy. In fact, many studies show that people today are less happy than they have been in decades. People are unhappy with their bosses, colleagues, parents, children, spouses—and the list goes on. Is there anything we can do to improve our happiness?

According to Alison Jones, an organizational development consultant, “When you practice gratitude, you train your brain to always look for the positive in anything. It just completely shifts everything you are going through…. You start to see the lessons in the pain. You start to see the beauty in the very difficult times” (Associated Press, June 12, 2025). In today’s world, people develop the habit of being critical, not thankful or appreciative. However, God wants us to be thankful. King David, who was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), constantly expressed thankfulness and gratitude to God (e.g., Psalm 30:4, 12). In Colossians 4:2, we are directed to be vigilant in our prayers with thanksgiving. Gratitude involves getting our minds off of ourselves and focusing on others—and ultimately on God. You can learn more about this life-altering state of mind by reading or listening to “The Power of Gratitude.”