On Thankfulness

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

To declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness by night.”

Psalms 92:1-2

I started looking up verses about being thankful in light of Thanksgiving.

With very little effort, I found 27 verses on being thankful, or giving thanks.

That tells me this is a pretty important topic.

There are times in our lives when it seems difficult to “give thanks.”

When dealing with illness, financial hardships, disappointment, grief, or the state of the world. Anxiety and fear can bombard our thoughts.

One thing I have realized, the more I focus on my problems, the harder it is to find peace.

Years ago, during a particularly challenging time, I was reading scripture.

I came upon the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

At the moment, I was not thankful for my situation. But I chose to come up with things I could be thankful for. Starting with basic items such as: a warm home on this cold blustery day, my husband, my children, my grandchildren.

Out loud I gave thanks for my car that runs and food in the cupboard. For my husband's job and my big backyard. As more blessings came to my mind, I thanked the Lord. 

As my focus changed I thought on a more spiritual level. Thankful that I have a Bible I can read, even thankful I learned how to read as a child! Thankful we can still freely attend church and listen to podcasts that encourage us. Thankful for Jesus who loves me so much, that he died for me.

As my thoughts changed, so did my attitude.

You get the idea. We all have rough times in our lives, but even then we can be thankful we have a Savior that loves us, and will walk with us through whatever we are facing. I think that knowledge is how we can “give thanks in all circumstances.” We don't have to like the circumstance, but if we know Jesus, he promises to work all things for our good. I‘m thankful for that!

So it is good to give thanks this holiday. For your family, your friends, and a loving God. 

I pray for a thankful heart for us all.

Blessings on you and yours!