The Grace of Gratitude

by Paul Mallard

Gratitude can sometimes feel like thank you letters to half-remembered relatives. We know that we should be grateful, but it can be so hard on the days when life feels unbearable – after another day of chronic illness or relationship breakdown or numbing bereavement. We try to be thankful for all things in our lives, but when things go wrong, bitterness and complaints creep in.

The Grace of Gratitude teaches us how to turn our groaning and grumbling into gratitude and gladness. Through the Israelites’ song of gratitude in Psalm 66, we catch glimpses of the God who parts the waves and whose plans are always for our good. We can learn to choose joy in the unshakable character of God and gratitude for what he has poured into our lives, no matter what the circumstances.

Paul Mallard shows us that real gratitude sings through the storms and the darkest days and is stronger than anything that life can throw at it.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living

64 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2021

Reviews

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful reminder of the command to be grateful and of the fundamental truths that can ground our joy. Particularly powerful in light of the author's own circumstances. Many thanks, Mr Mallard :D

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reminder that gratitude is a choice I make. It doesn’t matter what my circumstances are like, there is always something to be grateful for.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control our response. Gratitude is a choice. And it is a choice which bears succulent and sustaining fruit" (3).

I'm grateful to Paul Mallard for writing this short, helpful book on gratitude. Following the thankful song of Psalm 66, Paul shows us what real biblical gratitude looks like, and how we can nurture and sustain this God-given grace. He highlights a gratitude that is "firmly anchored on the rock of the saving deeds of the living God," whatever our circumstances (21). This obviously raises tricky questions about God's purposes and sovereignty, which Paul addresses with pastoral sensitivity and wisdom, borne out of his own personal experiences.

At one level, this is a short read, but it does have much fuel for meditation, especially with the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. With 5 chapters, I think this would work well as a 5-day devotional based on Psalm 66.

[Joshua Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little book that uses Psalm 66 in particular, along with the wider message of the Bible, to share some truths about gratitude. Namely, that gratitude is a choice, a reaction to the hand we are dealt no matter what that set of circumstances might be, only possible by looking upon God, his constant goodness and the countless mercies he has granted in our lives.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gratitude is a choice. In any circumstance you can always be grateful for God’s sacrifice and his goodness. Gratitude brings about joy.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in two sittings lol - short but solid. Rooted in Psalm 66. A longer book could have delved into more nuance about suffering and God’s will.

[Joshua Duemler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is a good exposition of Psalm 66 with a focus on gratitude throughout. I would say in the fourth chapter he loses focus on the theme of gratitude a little. Overall good little book.

[Abbie Birnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book helpful, reminding me to be thankful for both who God is and for all God has given me!! I was reminded that I am so blessed in my identity as a child of God alone!!