The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, and there’s no better time to ramp up gratitude in our lives. While the world continues to spin out of control and uncertainty looms at every turn, praise and gratitude to God keeps us grounded in His presence. When anxiety knocks on our hearts’ door, being thankful leads us to His peace.
Ephesians 5:20 tells us to give thanks always to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture reminds us of numerous benefits to a having a thankful heart, affecting our total well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Thankfulness helps us grow in godliness and contentment, which brings great gain (1 Tim. 6:6). It protects our hearts from the deceitfulness of sin, and the effects of a hostile world.
Gratitude extinguishes anxiety and pity parties, replacing them with a cheerful heart.
Numerous studies reveal how thankfulness strengthens our emotions, gives us greater resilience to life’s adversities, and makes us more likely to help someone else. Griping, complaining, and bitterness fly out the door when we’re thankful.
Scripture abounds with exhortations of giving thanks and praise to God, the Giver of every good gift including life itself.
Need something to be thankful for? Here are 20 things to get you started:
- THANKFUL for the gift of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 9:15).
- THANKFUL for the goodness and mercy of God (Psalm 106:1).
- THANKFUL for the deliverance of sin through Christ. (Romans 7:23-25).
- THANKFUL for victory over death and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:57).
- THANKFUL when remembering God’s holiness (Psalm 30:4).
- THANKFUL for the triumph of the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:14).
- THANKFUL for those who receive the Word of God, and its working (1 Thes. 2:13, Romans 6:17).
- THANKFUL that God gives us wisdom and power (Daniel 2:23).
- THANKFUL for the faith exhibited by others (Romans 1:8).
- THANKFUL for the love shown by others (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
- THANKFUL for the grace given to others (1 Corinthians 1:4).
- THANKFUL for the care and concern shown by others (2 Corinthians 8:16).
- THANKFUL for our food and basic necessities (John 6:11, Acts 27:35, Romans 14:6-7).
- THANKFUL for all people (1 Timothy 2:1).
- THANKFUL for God enriching us to the end we can give to others (2 Corinthians 9:11).
- THANKFUL in private worship (Daniel 6:10), and in public worship (Psalm 35:18).
- THANKFUL for the prayers for God’s ministers (2 Corinthians 1:11).
- THANKFUL for the completion of great undertakings (Nehemiah 12:31).
- THANKFUL always for others in the family of faith (1 Thessalonians 1:2, Ephesians 1:16).
- THANKFUL in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but
the parent of all the others.” Cicero.
Good quote! Thanks Tony.
Great word Cheryl. I pray that our thankfulness will shine so bright that others cannot help but to sit up and take notice. Now more than ever the love we hold for the Lord and for one another will show the world we are His disciples.
I join you in that prayer, Liz. I think for most of us thankfulness doesn’t come easily, but when we know Who we are being thankful to, it becomes a joy, and we actually can give thanks in everything. Blessings to you!
Thank you sister for this lovely reminder! We have so much to be thankful for. At this time in the world, we Christians are the blessed ones, knowing we can put our trust in the Lord. Nothing can separate us from His love. Be blessed, happy THANKSgiving!!!🙏🤗💕
Nice to hear from you, Hannah! A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.