Pastor Mark Dippre’s Reflection

Starting Each Day with Gratitude:
A Personal Reflection

Each morning, before the noise of the day begins and before worries have a chance to settle in my mind, I press play on the song “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. This simple habit has become one of the most meaningful parts of my daily routine. What started as just a song I enjoyed has slowly transformed into a spiritual practice that shapes how I see God, myself, and the world around me. Beginning each day this way has taught me how to live with a heart filled with gratitude and to recognize the miracle of God’s love at work in my life all the time.
Before I began this practice, my mornings often started with stress. I would wake up already thinking about what I needed to do, what I was worried about, or what I felt I lacked. My focus was on pressure rather than purpose. Playing “Gratitude” each morning changed that. The song reminds me that I do not need perfect words, perfect circumstances, or a perfect plan to come before God. I just need an honest heart willing to acknowledge Him. This mindset has helped me slow down and start my day grounded in thankfulness rather than anxiety.
The message of the song reflects the truth that nothing I offer God could ever fully match all that He has done for me. Instead of feeling discouraged by that, I feel invited into humility and worship. When I listen to the song in the morning, it feels like an invitation to step into God’s presence before stepping into my day. That moment of worship helps me remember who God is and who I am in Him.
Starting my day with gratitude has changed how I notice God’s love. I have become more aware that miracles do not always look dramatic or extraordinary. Many times, they look like waking up with breath in my lungs, having another chance to grow, or feeling peace even when life is uncertain. Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning, and this truth feels real to me as I begin each day in worship. No matter what happened the day before, gratitude helps me see that God is still faithful today.
This daily habit has also changed the way I pray. Instead of immediately asking God for help or answers, I begin by thanking Him. I thank Him for His love, His patience with me, and His constant presence in my life.  I thank Him for my wife, my children and the family and friends that give me hope each day.  I thank him for my faith community that helps me discover God’s love at work in my daily life.  This aligns with 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude has helped me trust God more, even when I do not understand what He is doing. I have learned that thanking God is an act of faith, especially during difficult seasons.

One of the biggest changes I have noticed is how gratitude has shifted my perspective throughout the day. When challenges come, I am less likely to feel overwhelmed or defeated. The reminder of God’s goodness in the morning stays with me, helping me respond with patience and hope. Starting my day with gratitude helps me believe this truth, that God is always present in our lives, even when situations are hard.

Gratitude has also helped me grow spiritually by teaching me humility. James 1:17 says that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and I am learning to recognize how dependent I truly am on Him. Instead of taking blessings for granted, I am more aware that everything I have—strength, opportunities, and even challenges—is part of God’s work in my life. This awareness has made my relationship with God feel more genuine and personal.

The song “Gratitude” also reminds me that worship is not about performance. I do not need to have everything together to praise God. Some mornings I feel joyful, and other mornings I feel tired or discouraged, but I still choose gratitude. That choice has taught me that worship is about surrender. Romans 12:1 calls believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices, and beginning my day with gratitude feels like offering God my heart before anything else claims my attention.

In conclusion, starting each day by playing “Gratitude” has changed my life for the better. It has helped me develop a thankful heart, recognize God’s love in everyday moments, and grow closer to Him. Gratitude has shifted my focus from worry to worship and from fear to faith. By beginning each morning this way, I am continually reminded that God is present, His love is constant, and every day is a miracle worth thanking Him for.