Bible Verses about Being Thankful for the Little Things 

I’m thankful for the month of November, because it reminds me to be more intentional in giving thanks to God. I had a great daily practice going and then circumstances interrupted my life in a big way. My gratitude practice has been on hold. Then last week I moved my “office” to a warm, sunny room to enjoy the last of the birdsong, warm breezes, and bright sun. It truly filled me with joy and made me wonder if there were Bible verses about being thankful for the little things in our everyday life.

A Thankful Heart

What are the characteristics of a thankful heart? They appreciate all of God’s blessings, valuing the small things in life and the big and obvious ones. 

A thankful heart can endure through the difficult times because they see the value in the lessons they learn. It knows that God is the giver of all good things and worthy of our grateful praise.

A thankful heart doesn’t complain- it has no room for negative thoughts. A heart deeply rooted in Jesus Christ results in an overflow of thankfulness!

Colossians 2:7–

“Let your roots grow down into Him and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” 

Ephesians 5:20-

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

James 1:17-

“Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” ESV.

Psalm 95:2-

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

A Thankful Heart Verse

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1.

“Wonderful deeds” is one Hebrew word used not only for miracles, but the less obvious parts of our day, the little things.

David wrote this Psalm to give God thanks and praise with his whole heart. All our being should express thanks to God, not only for the great things, but including the small things.

Colossians 3:15,17-

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

All things in our daily living, big and little, can bring honor to Jesus. We are called to be a thankful people!

Be Thankful for the Little Things

We know we should be thankful to God for all the blessings He provides each day. But sometimes our busy lives keep our focus off thanking Him for the small things that are happening all around us.

There is so much we take for granted, not stopping to even realize the gifts we are receiving. It’s easy to let the little things pass by without taking the time to express gratitude for them.

Here are some thankful Bible verses to help us think about God’s goodness and the little things in our lives that make a difference.

1 Thessalonians 5:18–

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” NKJV.

We sometimes apply this to trials in our lives. But “in everything” can equally apply to the little things that happen during our day.

What little circumstances in your day can you give thanks for right now?

1 Timothy 4:4-5

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

Receiving all His blessings with a grateful heart and thanksgiving is the proper attitude towards His gifts.

Are you in the habit of thanking Him for all His blessings?

Keeping a Gratitude Journal can help us recognize and appreciate all the gifts, blessings, and things we are grateful for, even the small stuff!.

Matthew 17:20-

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

The mustard seed is the smallest of seeds. Likewise, even a small amount of faith is powerful when God is with us. 

How often do you give thanks for your faith, even the smallest mustard seed steps you take?

James 3:4-

“Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.”

Small things are powerful and can do a tremendous amount of good. 

Giving thanks for the small things helps us become more aware of our surroundings and notice the little things that bring us joy. Don’t underestimate the power of little things!

John 6:9–

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

This was Andrew’s response to the meager offer of the loaves and fish. While the boy offered what he had (little), the disciples looked at the crowd and offered nothing.

Jesus took the small offerings of a young boy and thanked God for them! Then He multiplied them by His amazing power into a meal for thousands. 

When we offer our thanksgiving for the small things, God can multiply it into greater things.

1 Samuel 17:40-

“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and with his sling, approached the Philistine.”

We all know how the story ends. David’s faith in God allowed him to use the smallest of weapons to slay a giant.

Even during our hard times, it is important to keep the faith in the little things:

​The friend who sends you a message of encouragement, a bright ray of sunshine that sends your thoughts heavenward, a worship song that speaks exactly what is on your heart… 

Even when we are absolutely at the end of our rope, hanging on to the smallest bit of faith can bring significant changes and victories.

1 Kings 17:12–

“As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it- and die.”

When this widow met Elijah, she thought she was preparing her last meal. Elijah asks her for food and drink, and she tells him of her dwindling supplies.

But she trusted Elijah and, in a small act of faith, she used the little bit she had to feed him. From that point on, food was plentiful in her home.

Sometimes small things bring miracles. We shouldn’t overlook them!

Each of these Bible verses shows us how God can use small things to do big things. The little things He places in our lives are important!

Be Thankful for the Little Things Bible Verse 

Luke 16:10–

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”

Jesus told His disciples the story of the dishonest steward to teach them about trustworthiness in small matters before receiving greater spiritual blessings.

Even the little things are resources and blessings from God. If they are important to Him, they should be important to us.

Thank God for Little Things

Most of the time we don’t notice the small things, or we just take them for granted. But truthfully, these little things can affect us greatly.

Our mighty God, the miracle worker, great King, and creator of the universe, is also the God of peaceful days, birdsong, warm breezes, and little things. 

We’re usually good at thanking Him for the big things- the job offer, the answer to our most fervent prayer, healing, etc.

We should also remember to give Him thanks for the little things He places in our everyday life.

Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Being intentional in our gratitude and thanks is a choice we need to make daily. It brings us nearer to God, keeping our focus on Him. It is an essential virtue that we must nurture our whole lives.

Thankfulness reminds us of just how many excellent things God has given to us and puts our selfish desires on the back burner. Thanking Him for the little things helps us slow down and pay attention to His wondrous works around us.

You can start by looking around and noticing what your senses are picking up. I love the smell of freshly cut grass. But do I remember to give Him thanks for the enjoyment it brings?

I’m very thankful He wakes me up each day, but I’m not always good at telling Him so in my morning prayers.

Little things I’m thankful for are a supportive and loving husband, a good night’s sleep, warm sunshine, flowers of any kind, a good book, swimming in any body of water, and spending time with my granddaughters.

God can use a hot shower on a chilly morning, dear friends, beautiful memories, holidays, and a gentle rain to speak to us, uplift us, and show us how awesome He is.

Little Things to Be Thankful For 

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about the little things in your own life you can thank God for.

Close friends, Home, Job, Pets

Clean Water, Good health, Music- either listening to, or the ability to perform it.

Colors in nature, Technology, Fuzzy socks (I love my fuzzy socks in winter!)

A good laugh, great neighbors, rainbows, farmer’s markets

Hugs, a warm blanket fresh out of the dryer, making vacation plans

Hobbies that let you show your creativity, the ability/opportunity to serve and give

Receiving an unexpected compliment, your favorite Bible verses

3-day weekends, time to get organized, a clear and star-filled sky

Eating outside, quiet mornings, the beauty of fresh snow.

Reasons to Be Thankful to God

Many times, we come to God with our list of prayer intentions and needs (which He loves to hear, BTW) but leave out our expressions of thoughtful and meaningful thanks.

Having an attitude of gratitude can fix that!

How often do you spend time solely on thanks and praise for all He has provided, His unfailing love, and what He has done in your life?

The reasons to thank God are endless, but difficult situations can lead us to be shortsighted. The biggest reason to give thanks to God is because He so richly deserves it!

He is our Jehovah-Jireh, our great God and Provider of all things. God saved us by giving up His only Son so we could experience eternal life and a personal relationship with Him.

He is faithful and just, listens to our prayers, and loves us beyond our wildest imagination.

Practicing thankfulness improves our physical, emotional, and social well-being. Conditioning our heart to be thankful helps us be content regardless of our circumstances. It’s hard to feel stressed or anxious when our focus is on seeking the little but beautiful things in our lives. 

He is working- take some time to stop right now and see where you can find Him.

Blessings!

AnnMarie

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.

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