As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy
This Thanksgiving I’m working on practicing Gratitude to God not just for what He does, but who He is. We are called to give thanks to Lord in all circumstances. This doesn’t mean that we thank Him for the bad things in our life, but we thank Him for the opportunity to grow in those experiences. When we are challenged, we are given opportunities to grow closer to God, rely on Him more and TRUST in His plan for our life. God uses our challenges to prune us and to create in us unwavering faith. Think about a situation that is challenging you now and consider how He may be using this to benefit you in some way.
Showing your gratitude to God shouldn’t be limited to special events, Thanksgiving should flow from our hearts every single day in an undending hymn of praise. Our ‘song’ is to be ongoing. What could you do to express more gratitude in your life?
To experience the full benefits of gratitude, you must live in a way that gives thanks to God every day. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
One way to live with thanksgiving flowing from our heart is to keep a gratitude journal, which is simply a way of writing down all that you are thankful for and giving thanks to God in the process. This week I encourage you to use these prompts to start or enhance your gratitude practice and when you feel moved, to write a thank-you letter to God praising Him not just for what he does, but who He is—Faithful (Lamentations 3:23); Constant (James 1:17); True (John 14:6); Good (Matthew 7:11); Gracious (Romans 3:20–24); Longsuffering (2 Peter 3:9); Merciful (Hebrews 4:16); Powerful (1 Chronicles 29:11); Loving (John 3:16); Saving (Acts 4:12).
- List five small ways that you can share your gratitude with God and others today.
- Write about a person in your life that you’re especially grateful for and why and then tell them.
- What is there about a challenge you’re experiencing right now that you can be thankful for? (This is a tough one, but you have learned something or grown from the hardship—how?).
- What about the city you live in are you grateful for?
- What are you taking for granted about your day to day that you can be thankful for? (Can’t think of any? Your alarm clock, your coffee machine, your home, your friendly neighbor who always says good morning … and that’s before you even leave the house).
- List 5 people in your life who are hard to get along with—and write down at least one quality for each that you are grateful for.
- Who has done something this week to help you or make your life easier and how can you thank them?
- What foods or meals are you most thankful for? (yes, even Bacon and cupcakes!)
- What elements of nature are you grateful for and why? (The beach, a starry sky or one speckled with fluffy clouds, the sunset…).
- Write a letter to someone who has positively impacted your life, however big or small.
- What is something you’re grateful to have learned this week?
- When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably—relive the memory.
- What aspects of your work environment are you thankful for? (Supportive co-workers, flexible hours, great snacks in the kitchen…)
- Write a letter to God, thanking Him for what He has blessed you with and for who He is. Share this letter at your Thanksgiving dinner as your opening prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
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