Psalms 30:11–12 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

What Does Gratitude Mean in the Bible?
Gratitude in the Bible means “extending favor towards” or giving grace and kindness as a response.

If we go back to the Bible’s original language, the Greek word “χάριτι” refers to the quality of showing appreciation and returning kindness. This is in contrast to how Merriam-Webster defines “gratitude,” which is more of thankfulness for a personal benefit, such as being “thankful” for something that happened to you. For example, saying “thank you” doesn’t automatically mean you’re actually grateful. You may be just saying it to be polite, whereas thankfulness genuinely acknowledges the efforts of others.

Meanwhile, Biblical gratitude is an approach to doing something, sustenance that strengthens you, and the intention behind your actions. Gratitude is a positive response to experiencing God’s goodness and grace. In other words, once you realize that God is working in your life, you’ll show gratefulness in how you live.

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. (Colossians 3:16-17)

Gratitude is mentioned a lot in the Bible because it helps us develop all the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). By being grateful to God, we’ll have joy, peace, and self-control, be patient, kind, gentle, and generous toward others, and be utterly faithful to God. Gratitude is at the root of your spiritual growth.

Psalm 30:1-12

Another example of explaining from where joy springs is found in Psalms. The psalmist’s joy—and this is typical of what people of faith participate in—is the result of something God is doing or has done: “You put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life” (Psalm 30:2-3, emphasis added).

Joy is what we experience when God takes over our lives, when our self-sufficiency gives out and His all-sufficiency takes over. The experience of joy is derivative. It doesn’t come from us; it comes to us. It isn’t something we do; it’s something God does. And that is why the psalmist says, “I give you all the credit, God” (verse 1).

You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.

pSALM 30:12