The Gratitude Effect: How Thankfulness Transforms Us
In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and forget to pause and appreciate the simple blessings around us. As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how a grateful heart can truly transform our lives—not just for the holiday, but every single day.
In this special bonus episode of the Embrae Your Real podcast, I’m sharing ten powerful Bible verses that light the way to authentic gratitude. These verses remind us that fulfillment isn't about material wealth, but about cultivating a deep sense of faith and thankfulness. Through them, we see how the love and faithfulness of God can shape a life of genuine contentment. Gratitude is more than just a feeling—it’s a conscious choice that strengthens our bonds with God and those we love.
As we gather with family and friends this season, let’s remember that gratitude is both a bridge and a balm, helping us create joy and connection that lasts far beyond Thanksgiving dinner.
I discuss:
(00:00) - Thanksgiving Bible Verses for Gratitude
(08:57) - Cultivating Gratitude and Authenticity
and more!
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Transcript:
[00:00:00] Hey, beautiful human. Can I steal five minutes of your time? I have something super important to share with you, but I promise I'll be really quick. You're listening to my weekly bonus episode of Embrace Your Real with Me. Do I better? I'm about to give you a quick tip for building your confidence, honoring your body and unconditionally loving your authentic self. Stay tuned. If you're ready to embrace a real. Let's get it. Let's go. [00:00:22][22.5]
[00:00:30] Hello and welcome back to another bonus episode and happy Thanksgiving. Today is about more than just turkey and pie and time with loved ones. I truly believe it's a day to pause and reflect on the blessings in our life and the deep well of gratitude that we can cultivate in our hearts. And while it's easy to focus on what's missing or what we're striving, I really do think that Thanksgiving reminds us to appreciate what we already have and to really lean into God's enduring love and faithfulness. And so to inspire your gratitude. This Thanksgiving, I've rounded up ten Bible verses that I believe are truly rich with wisdom about thankfulness. And so that's why in today's bonus episode, I just want to take a moment to reflect on these verses and what they teach us about living with joy, peace and gratitude, even in the ups and the downs. Before we dive in, though, I want to share this review. A comes from Michael Lac, 16. She gave a five star review and said, I absolutely love this podcast. I've struggled my body image and weight for pretty much my whole adolescence and adult life. I found Julian TikTok and I started doing some of the workouts and eventually joined Moment with Julie and started listening to the podcast. Julie's so uplifting. But what it's also amazing is that it's real practical advice not just for health but life in general. Thank you for all you do. I am so thankful. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day. I'm so grateful that you found me on TikTok. Man. We have our Pinterest crew. We have our tech. Talk to your crew. Where's my Instagram crew? But I really, genuinely appreciate you taking time out of your day to send in this review. And on Thanksgiving, I just want to say I am so incredibly thankful and grateful for this community. We are nearing 500 episodes, which is so insane and I could not have done it without you, without my podcast editing, crew and team. And so I'm just so thankful for every single person that allows this podcast to be a reality. But also you guys tuning in week in and week out. I genuinely appreciate you and I'm so, so thankful for you. Okay, so let's dive into ten Bible verses for celebrating Thanksgiving number one, Philippians 411 through 12. I am not saying this because I'm in need for I've learned to be content. Whatever the circumstances, I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Paul's words in the Scripture really remind us that true contentment doesn't come from what we have or we don't have. It actually comes from trusting God. Gratitude is rooted in faith, knowing that God provides the strength that we need in every circumstance. And so on Thanksgiving, we are invited to practice in the same contentment, finding peace in the present moment, no matter what season of life we are in. Number two First Thessalonians 516 through 18. Rejoice, always pray continuously and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you and Christ Jesus. Paul And this Scripture really encourages us to live a life of constant gratitude, prayer and joy. Even when life feels hard, there's always something to be thankful for, whether it's the love of family, the kindness of friends, the comfort of God's presence. Today I want us to carry the spirit of thankfulness beyond the Thanksgiving table and into our everyday lives. Number three Psalm 1071. Give thanks to the Lord for his good. His love endures forever. This Psalm really reminds us that gratitude is both personal and communal. Like as we reflect on God's goodness and enduring love, were called to share our things with others, whether it's a prayer before dinner or a heartfelt conversation. Take a moment today to express gratitude for those around you. Number four Psalm 1032 through five. Praise the Lord my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases? Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with a love and compassion? Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the Eagles. On this Thanksgiving, I really want you to remember to bless the Lord and reflect on all the ways that He has shown up in our lives. From forgiveness to healing to redemption to love. God's blessings are endless. And really take a moment to list all of the things that God has shown up for in the hard and the beautiful in the sky, in the amazing way that he and only he can show up. Number five Lamentations 322 through 24. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed for his compassion. Never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, The Lord is my portion. Therefore. For. I will wait for him. God's mercies are fresh every single day. On Thanksgiving, this verse really reminds us to focus on his faithfulness, even when life feels uncertain. Gratitude isn't just about looking back at what we've received. It's also about looking forward with hope and trusting that God's goodness and his faithfulness will meet us every single morning right where we are at number six, Philippians 4637. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God that transcends all Understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This verse really encourages us to replace anxiety with prayer and Thanksgiving. Whatever burdens you're carrying, take a moment. Release them to God today. Thanksgiving isn't just about gratitude for what we have. It's about trusting God with our needs and finding peace in his sovereignty. Number seven, Psalm 95, to let us come before him with Thanksgiving and extoll him with music and song. Thanksgiving is really an act of worship as we gather with loved ones today, I want us to remember to come before God with joyful hearts lifting up our thanks in our praise. Whether it's through prayer, it's through song, it's through quiet reflection. Let's celebrate the privilege of worshiping our Creator alongside of one another today. Number eight, Colossians 316 through 17. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Gratitude is something that we can practice together. So today, let the Word of Christ well, richly in our hearts as we celebrate with family and friends. Share a prayer. A favorite him, a moment of thankfulness with someone at your Thanksgiving table. It is a beautiful way to honor God together. Number nine Ephesians 518 through 20. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the spirit speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from this spirit Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gratitude is contagious. When we give thanks to God, it overflows into joy that blesses others. This Thanksgiving, let your gratitude shine through your words, your songs, your actions, spreading the joy to everyone around you. And last but not least, number ten, James 117. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows. Everything good in our lives, whether it's big or small, comes from God. From the width of our family to the laughter shared at the table. Each moment that we have is a gift from our loving father. And so today, I want you to take the time to reflect on the good and perfect gifts that you have in your life and give thanks to the one who gives them so generously. So there you have it. Those are my favorite Bible verses focused on gratitude. I am wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving as you gather around the Thanksgiving table. And I truly want us to pause and reflect on the many reasons that we have to give thanks. Remember that gratitude isn't just a feeling. It's a choice. It's a posture of the heart that really draws closer to God and the people that we love. And I don't want us to just take these verses today to heart. I want us to move them into our day to day life. May this Thanksgiving and the day after and the week after and the month after be filled with joy and connection and a deep sense of gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do in our life. That is all that I have for today's bonus episode. I love you so much. I need it and I'll talk to you next month. [00:09:44][554.5]
[00:09:54] All right, sister. That's all I got for you today. But I have two things that I need you to do. First thing, if you are not already following me on the gram. [00:10:02][8.5]
[00:10:03] Be sure to do so, Julie. A lot better. Yes. It's women in the middle for that. [00:10:07][4.1]
[00:10:07] Daily Post workout. Real talk, healthy tips and tricks and honest accountability to keep your mind and heart in check. The second thing be sure to subscribe to Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode. Thank you so much for joining me. It means the absolute world. [00:10:23][16.3]
[00:10:24] And I. I'm going to leave you with one last thought. The most beautiful women. [00:10:27][3.3]
[00:10:27] That I have met in my life are the ones who are completely. [00:10:30][2.3]
[00:10:31] Confident and secure in being authentically themselves. [00:10:34][3.7]
[00:10:36] Remember that beauty goes so much deeper than the surface. So go out there and embrace real because you're worth it. [00:10:36]