Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. Hebrews 12:15 CSB 

Weeds of bitterness are the best kind of weeds. Wait, what? Well, of course, no one likes weeds, but weeds of bitterness are easier to get rid of than others. They spring up from root causes including jealousy, anger, resentment, and unresolved hurts. They’re pesky little things, always seeming to pop up right when we think our weeding is finished. But there’s a remedy for destroying bitter weeds, and it’s a wonderfully simple method as far as heart work goes. We scorch weeds of bitterness by radiating gratitude. 

When was the last time you felt grateful for something? Not a fleeting moment of happiness or a quick exclamation of “Thanks!” but genuine, deep gratitude in your heart? If you’re like most people, it has been a while. Gratitude isn’t an innate place to live. For some, it feels like settling, and we’d rather strive. But gratitude isn’t settling at all; it’s contentment. It’s recognizing the blessings in your life and saying a heartfelt “thank You” because they are enough. 

Practicing gratitude takes conscious effort, and it’s not always easy work, but it’s worthy work. When we intentionally cultivate gratitude, turning over hardened soil in our hearts again and again, we discover fertile ground for growing good things: gratefulness, appreciation, contentment, gladness, and ease. Weeds of bitterness have nowhere to grow in a grateful heart. 

Is anything blocking your heart from finding gratitude? Is there a disconnect between what your mind wants to do and what your heart feels? Lay down your load at the feet of God, who cares for you. Ask for His help letting go and for His guidance toward gratitude. When you open your heart and seek gratitude, God is more than faithful to show you the way. 

God, I want to cultivate contentment and live joyfully in what You’ve done for me. I have so many reasons to be grateful! Help me learn to live with a grateful heart where no weeds of bitterness grow. 

This is an excerpt from Playing in the Dirt: 90 Devotions for Crazy Plant Ladies – a new devotional journal now available for pre-order on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.