In our fast-paced, news-filled world, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. We spend more time worrying about the future or fretting over what we don’t have than we do appreciating the blessings right in front of us. We rush from one moment to the next, often missing the small miracles and beautiful gifts along the way.
But a life of true joy and contentment isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about intentionally remembering and cherishing the good things that God has placed in our lives. This is a spiritual discipline that can transform your perspective and fill your heart with gratitude.
Why It’s So Hard to Cherish the Good
Our human brains have a natural “negativity bias,” meaning we remember bad experiences more vividly than good ones. When you combine this with the distractions of modern life and a culture of comparison, it’s a recipe for discontent. We see curated social media feeds and feel like our own lives don’t measure up. This constant focus on lack makes it almost impossible to cherish the good things we already possess.
But the Bible provides a clear path forward.
Three Biblical Keys to Cherishing the Good
1. Practice Gratitude as a Discipline
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling that comes and goes; it’s a discipline we must cultivate daily. Think of it as a spiritual muscle you exercise. When you choose to give thanks, even for the smallest blessings, you train your mind to focus on God’s provision instead of your problems.
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
— Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
A great way to start is with a daily prayer of thanksgiving. You can find more on this in our article on morning prayer for guidance and peace. This simple act can reorient your entire day.
2. Create Memorials and Reminders
The Bible is full of examples of God’s people building physical memorials to remember His faithfulness. From altars to Ebenezer stones, they knew the importance of having tangible reminders of God’s goodness. We can do the same.
“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”
— 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV)
You can create a “gratitude jar” where you write down blessings and read them later. Take photos of joyful moments, journal about answered prayers, or simply make a list of everything you’re thankful for. These small acts serve as Ebenezers, reminding you of how the Lord has helped you.
3. Share Your Blessings with Others
Our blessings are not just for us; they are a testimony of God’s goodness that is meant to be shared. When you share a story of God’s provision or a moment of grace with a friend or your family, it multiplies the joy and strengthens their faith as well.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Sharing our blessings is a way of giving thanks and living out the Gospel. It can be a powerful testimony to others, especially when you can share a story of finding strength in every struggle.
Cherishing the good things isn’t about ignoring pain or pretending life is perfect. It’s about maintaining a clear, joyful perspective in the midst of it all. By practicing gratitude, creating memorials, and sharing your blessings, you will find a profound sense of contentment that the world can’t take away. As the Bible says, Godliness with contentment is great gain. And you can find true peace by finding peace in God’s presence.
