A Lifestyle of Thankfulness

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It’s important to make a habit of being thankful. This is usually something we talk about during Thanksgiving time, when it seems to be a common thread among people, but in reality, it’s important all year around. No matter where you are in life or what you are going through, there is something to be grateful for. There are always things to be happy about and there is always a way to find something positive.

The Bible tells us about this many times. There are many parts of the Bible that speak about being thankful through difficult times. It’s not that we need to minimize our pain or pretend as if bad things aren’t happening, but focusing on the positive is more useful than focusing on the negative. It’s a hard concept to deal with at first, and for many people, it’s difficult to let go of negativity, but it really is the healthiest way to live.

God always gives us reasons to be happy. God never promises us that this life will be easy, but He promises to be with us, and that is reason enough to be thankful. The fact that we have such a friend in Jesus and that we are more than conquerors because he loved us is the best reason in the world to be joyful and to praise God for everything He has done.

Today, be encouraged knowing that God is sending you blessings, seeking after you, and placing certain people in your life for specific reasons. God isn’t only involved in the big events of your life, but He is present in every aspect of your life, taking care of even the small details you don’t notice yourself. Make a mental note to pay attention – watch for the little things that happen throughout your day that make it a little better. Another suggestion is to make a list. Making a list of things you are thankful for, and a list of reasons to be happy, is a great thing to do. It can be a very helpful practice to make these lists and pray, thanking God for each of the wonderful blessings He has given you. Whenever you’re feeling down, go back to that list, and think about all the times God was there for you and helped you through and blessed you abundantly. He’s not giving up on you, and He’s still here now, doing everything to make all things work together for your good. There’s a time and a place to discuss complex things and difficult issues to deal with, but there’s also a time and a place to just focus on the simple blessings you have been given.

How do you practice being thankful for what God has given you? Share in a comment below.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2