What Are You Thankful For?

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 (ESV)

The holidays, Thanksgiving in particular, are a good time to reflect on what God has done for us. We can spend time contemplating positive memories, blessings, and just things in general for which we’re thankful. With Thanksgiving being celebrated in the United States next week, it’s a time to be reminded to be thankful for all the blessings and good things we have. We’ve even discussed before that thankful people are happier people.

Gratitude has an effect on our hearts and our perspectives. When we can turn our minds from the negative things around us and intentionally focus on what we have to be thankful for, a positive internal shift and change happen. When we think about what we are thankful for, things around us can seem brighter, and we start to focus less on what’s wrong and more on what’s good and right. Additionally, when we choose to see God’s provision, it makes it hard to be frustrated by all the ways we feel like we’re lacking something in the moment.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)

“Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given” Psalm 105:5 (NLT) 

Take Some Practical Steps to Note What You Are Thankful For:

I hope you take the time to think beyond the usual things that you might be thankful for.  Take a moment (if you haven’t done so recently), and think about and write down:

• • How you’ve changed this year
  • The new opportunities you’ve had this year
  • What God has brought you through, brought you to, or delivered you from this year
  • The changes or growth you’ve experienced in your relationships this year
  • New courage you’ve had this year
  • Your personal growth this year
  • The weird “coincidences” this year
  • Answered prayers
  • God’s favor and/or provision
  • God’s qualities or character traits that were evident
  • People in your life
  • A skill or ability you are grateful you have
  • Some memories you are most thankful for (If it involves someone share it with them!)

Let us continue in a spirit of thanksgiving throughout this holiday season through Christmas, and be sure to “recount all the wonderful deeds”!

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 (ESV)

I’m thankful for you.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak into your life and for taking time out of your day to read my blog.  Thank you for letting God use me to talk to you.

What are you thankful for? Share it with us by leaving a comment below. 

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If you have benefited from this post or if you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward and share this post with them via the sharing links below! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)