“14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 emphasis added) [ESV]
Thankfulness …
- … refocuses my way of thinking.
“Accept my grateful thanks and teach me your desires.” (Psalm 119:108) [TLB]
- … refreshes my heart.
“1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night” (Psalm 92:1-2) [ESV]
- … reminds me of God’s goodness.
“Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.” (Psalm 119:108) [NLT]
God’s goodness includes …
- … free gifts.
“4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, 5 made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!” (Ephesians 2:4-5) [HCSB]
- … unconditional love.
“38 For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, 39 height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 8:38-39) [HCSB]
- … eternal life.
“… giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:12) [NIV]
How To Live With An Attitude of Gratitude:
- Make gratitude your attitude.
“1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night” (Psalm 92:1-2) [ESV]
- Make an inventory of things you’re grateful for.
“Is anyone among you suffering? He should keep on praying about it. And those who have reason to be thankful should continually be singing praises to the Lord.” (James 5:13) [TLB]
- Make God the source of your gratitude.
“Since we have a Kingdom nothing can destroy, let us please God by serving Him with thankful hearts and with holy fear and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28) [TLB]