Living in Gratitude – Shifting from Fear to Faith

In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about how gratitude has reshaped the way I think, pray, and live. Gratitude is more than manners—it’s a mindset that transforms your outlook and draws you closer to God. I share personal stories, lessons from Scripture, and insights I’ve learned through years of practice. This episode is about finding peace in faith, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

My Reflections on Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting that God is working through every situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to give thanks in all circumstances. When I live in gratitude, I find clarity and peace instead of fear and worry.

I remember being in the hospital with COVID. It was a tough time. I could have focused on fear, but instead, I prayed with gratitude—for my caregivers, my family, and the strength to heal. That shift helped me stay calm and hopeful. Philippians 4:6–7 says not to be anxious but to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. I’ve found that when I do that, peace follows.

Gratitude also affects how we see problems. When I view challenges as opportunities to grow, the solutions often appear—through people, prayer, or unexpected circumstances. Living in gratitude keeps me open, hopeful, and focused on progress instead of perfection.

What I’ve Learned from Others
Over the years, I’ve found wisdom in how others describe gratitude:

• Bob Proctor says gratitude is an alignment tool that connects us with our source.
• Tony Robbins believes gratitude changes our emotional state—you can’t feel fear or anger while being thankful.
• Jim Rohn calls it a discipline that keeps success meaningful.

These ideas remind me that gratitude isn’t passive. It’s an active decision to focus on what’s right and what’s possible.

Four Gratitude Challenges I Shared
If you want to live more gratefully this week, try these simple steps:

1. Write down one thing each day that you’re grateful for that came through someone else.
2. Thank God in prayer for the blessings in your life and how He’s shaping you through people and situations.
3. Tell one person this week that you appreciate them, and explain why.
4. Reflect in your journal on one area where gratitude could move you from being self-focused to hopeful.

These actions have helped me stay grounded and focused on God’s goodness.

Bonus: Book Review – Moving Mountains by John Eldredge https://wildatheart.org/
In this episode, I also share a quick review of Moving Mountains by John Eldredge. This book teaches how to pray with passion, confidence, and authority. Gratitude plays a central role in that process—it shifts prayer from desperation to expectancy.

What I appreciate most is how Eldredge connects prayer and gratitude as part of a deeper relationship with God. The book isn’t a quick how-to guide; it’s about aligning your heart with faith. I’ll admit it’s a little slow at times, but the lessons are meaningful. One of my favorite takeaways is this: gratitude and prayer invite God’s peace and shift us from asking to expecting confidently.

It’s a book worth reading if you want to strengthen your faith and understand how gratitude changes everything.

Key Takeaways

• Gratitude is a mindset that builds faith and peace.
• Fear and gratitude can’t live in the same heart.
• Trust God with what you can’t control, and focus on what you can.
• Journaling helps you stay thankful and aware of progress.
• Real gratitude improves relationships, leadership, and well-being.

Closing Thoughts
Each day is a new chance to practice gratitude. Thank God for what is and what will be. Tell someone you appreciate them. Keep your focus on progress, not perfection.

You can listen to this full episode and others at levelyourselfup.com/podcasts.
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