Cultivating Thankfulness

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dwell upon gratitude. Personally, I strive to remain thankful throughout the year; one way I do so is by keeping little notes around my desk at home. More recently, I’ve been savoring my quiet time with the Lord in prayer (this typically happens during my son’s nap time so that I am sure to be uninterrupted), and I do my best to be intentional with thanking Him along with my daily supplication.

If you’re wondering where to start cultivating a renewed sense of gratitude, I would urge you to first turn to the Scriptures! The Bible is our greatest resource for thankfulness. The Psalms provide so many wonderful expressions of thanks to the Lord (Psalms 100:4, 105:1, 106:1, 111:1). In the New Testament, you can find passages within the epistles that exhort us to give thanks (2 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 2:6-7, 3:15-16, 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 12:28). Set aside some time each day to read verses of thanksgiving and meditate often on the Scriptures you find.

Secondly, we can be thankful by remembering the ways God has provided for us. Take a moment to write down or journal about the gracious gifts the Lord has given you; examples include answered prayers, unexpected provision in times of need, growth in godliness, a growing family, or all the people He has placed in your life. As believers, our church family is especially important, and truly a blessing (John 13:34-35, Romans 12:10, Galatians 6:10, 1 Peter 4:8-10)!

A third way to stay thankful is to regularly express your gratitude to God in prayer. This practical step helps to make thanksgiving a habit in our everyday lives. Thank Him for His many attributes (Psalms 29:4, 92:1-2, 100:5, 103:8, 116:5, 145:3; Jeremiah 10:6, 32:17; Lamentations 3:22-23). Thank Him for being the ultimate Provider of all things (Matthew 6:31-33, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Philippians 4:19, 2 Peter 1:2-4). Thank Him for Jesus Christ, who is the greatest gift we have ever received (John 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 2:4-10); may we never cease to be thankful for God sending Jesus to the earth, and all that He has done on our behalf!

Finally, remember to also express gratitude to others. God uses many of the people in our lives to bless us, encourage us, and help us along the way. Letting others know you appreciate them is an act of love and gives glory to God (Hebrews 10:24-25, Colossians 3:17).