Gratitude 26 Nov 17

(Message 4) Is it possible to choose to be happy? While we may not be able to turn on happy emotions with the flick of a switch, there’s another way. It all starts with choosing a perspective that’s full of gratitude. This perspective leads to a grateful heart, and as David discovered, a grateful heart is a happy heart.

Lord, today I want to thank you for…
Despite the fact that I’ve had a really hard week, I’m so thankful for…
My heart is full of gratitude because God has…

When we choose gratitude:

We choose happiness.
We’ll have lots of friends.
It’s God’s will for our lives.

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What did you do that was the most fun over the Thanksgiving holiday? What did you do that was the most meaningful? Why?
Think about a time when you were stressed or depressed. What was your attitude during that time?
- What were the responses of the people around you to your attitude?
- What could the results have been if you had chosen to be grateful or thankful?
Troy told the story of Jerry, a restaurant manager who made a significant, conscious life attitude choice.
- What did he choose every morning?
- What did he choose when bad things happened?
- How did those practices affect his response to a dire situation?
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions God’s will? Why?
- Why is it hard to accept God’s will at times?
- What are some practices that can help you remain in God’s will regardless of circumstances?
- Did you include choosing to be grateful? Why or why not?
Why is it sometimes difficult to make the choice to be grateful in difficult circumstances?
- What steps can you take to make that choice easier?
- How long does it take to build a habit of a grateful attitude?
How important do you think an attitude of gratitude or thanksgiving in your lifestyle, witness, or idle conversation may be to anyone who is watching or listening?
- Do you believe yourself to be an energy giver or an energy taker?
- Why?
David is referred to as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). Go around the group and answer this question: If God were to write a statement about you, how would it read?