“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18)
The power of gratitude is truly remarkable. It has the ability to shift our focus, emotions, and overall attitude. While it’s easy to dwell on the many flaws in the world around us, God’s word encourages us to do just the opposite. As it reminds us, “Whatever is good, lovely, noble, or praiseworthy—dwell on these things!” (Phil. 4:8).
In her book One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp emphasizes finding gratitude and joy amid the mundane. She beautifully states, “A life contemplating the blessings of Christ becomes a life acting the love of Christ… The brave who focus on all things good, all things beautiful, and all things true—even in the small—are the changers of the world.”
The Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy once observed, “Everyone wants to change the world around them, but not the one within them.”
Are you missing the blessings of God because you’re fixated on the problems of this world? This Thanksgiving Day presents a wonderful opportunity to set an intention to practice gratitude. Here are a few ideas to help you cultivate this spirit:
- Set a timer for five minutes and pray exclusively prayers of Thanksgiving.
- Take out a pad of paper and write down 50-100 things you are thankful for.
- Text someone to share what you appreciate about them.
- Create a Gratitude Jar: Write down things you’re grateful for on small pieces of paper and place them in a jar. Over time, revisit these notes to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life.
- Ask the Lord to give you a heart of Thanksgiving and praise, even when you don’t feel like it.
There’s a world of difference between enjoying a festive Thanksgiving and embracing the deep joy that comes from the spirit of Thanksgiving itself.
