What Are You Thankful for Today?

It’s that time of year- we focus on all the things we are thankful for. I feel like I am a thankful person and realize I am blessed, overly so, in my life. But do I take God’s blessings in my life for granted? Am I thankful for the trials that bring me closer and teach me new lessons? What are you thankful for today?

Being Thankful to God 

I love this quote because it reminds me of how awesome our God is and the quiet ways He works behind the scenes in our lives.

I have a very distinct memory of walking home from school with a friend. We were very chatty, and I wasn’t paying attention as we walked past the many driveways of a parking lot. I looked up to see the face of a driver as she pulled into a driveway.

She put both hands to her head and mouthed “Oh no!” in horror as she looked straight at me. Startled, I noticed a car coming out of the driveway that almost ran us over.

I am certain of and thankful for God’s protection at that moment. 

Or this- my first husband abandoned our family, leaving me to raise a 4-year-old and a newborn alone. I am thankful for this “thorn” because it helped me realize that all I really needed in my life was God’s grace.

I learned that even when I am weak, He strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 became my life verse. While this was a painful, scary, and lonely time, I give Him all the thanks and glory for how He used it.

I can say quite honestly, that I didn’t see Him at work “behind the scenes” at the time these events happened. But looking back, I know that His plan was in place and He was working it out.

Being Thankful During Difficult Times 

Paul thanked the Philippians and shared this wisdom with them:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (4:12)

Paul was thankful for everything God had given him because he was certain he could “do everything through him who gives me strength.” (v13)

My single Mom finances found me scrounging through the couch cushions more than once to find spare change. I gave thanks for that provision.

When my car broke down, God provided a kind mechanic who showed me how to bang on my starter with a hammer until I had the funds to fix it.

These situations bring a smile to my face today, as I see how magnificently He cared for me. Thanks be to God!

If we’re only thankful when things are going well, we are only counting our blessings.

True thankfulness is knowing that He is always working for us, no matter what life throws our way. We see our life from God’s point of view, and trust in His goodness.

Reasons to Be Thankful to God 

We could certainly make a case for grumbling about the ways our world is going sideways these days.
There is enough on the airwaves, online, and in print to keep us dissatisfied, angry, and sad. I don’t know about you, but when aggravations pile up, thankfulness is not my go-to emotion.

But keep these things in mind:

•Remember that all these things are temporary, and God is present in all situations.

•The enemy loves for us to grumble and fuss. Make him flee by focusing on being thankful!

•Thankfulness improves our relationships with others, reduces our stress, and increases our satisfaction and enjoyment in life.

And most importantly, a thankful person shows others there is always something to be thankful for.

•Additionally, giving all the glory to God when we express our thankfulness shows others His generous and loving nature.

•When we live a truly thankful life, it spills out to others. A thankful heart is a generous heart!

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How to Thank God 

What is the best way to thank God? There are many-

•By sharing His love with others and giving Him all the glory in your life.

“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” Psalm 9:1.

• A Thankful Heart

Having a thankful heart means we can give thanks and praise in all situations. The enemy can’t have a hold on our thoughts and actions because a thankful heart changes our outlook.

A thankful heart is powerful! When our hearts are full, we shouldn’t be able to stop telling others about how His wonderful ways.

Do you remember the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers? They begged for pity, and He sent them to the priests- and He healed them on the way.

Only one came back “praising God in a loud voice”, and he threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.

All ten obeyed Jesus’ instructions to go through the religious ceremony the priests offered. But only one returned to give Jesus heartfelt thanks and praise.

Jesus asked about the other nine; wondering where they were. If He noted their lack of gratitude, I’m sure He notices ours as well.

He doesn’t need our thanks, but He loves our overflowing heartfelt thanks for the gifts He gives. Plus, our thankful hearts draw us closer to Him.

•Offer Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1.

“Offering our bodies” was Paul’s way of explaining that as a redeemed people, we surrender our lives back to Jesus in thanksgiving for all He has done.

•Give thanks by nurturing your relationship with Him. Spend time with Him daily in prayer, praise, and worship.

•Show others the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness that Jesus has shown us.

•Use your God-given gifts to serve others in His name.

Thanking God for His Blessings 

God gives us EVERY spiritual blessing! He does not hold back any of them!

What are these spiritual blessings? 

We are thankful for:

• Salvation
• Forgiveness
• The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which gives us insight and power to do God’s will.
• Our eternal life with Jesus

These spiritual blessings begin immediately with our faith in Jesus. We can enjoy these blessings now and forever!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3.

Material Blessings 

Material prosperity, successes, loving families, great friends, and good health are all blessings from God.

We don’t deserve any of His blessings, but He blesses us because He chooses to. We should be thankful for the blessings He gives, but not dwelling on what we don’t have.

He blesses us to use them to benefit and bless others in a way that honors God. If they become a higher priority over or lives than Him, then we need a heart check.

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” 1 John 3:17

Grateful to God for Everything 

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Paul isn’t saying we must be thankful for everything, but in everything- big difference! Disease, death, and disaster were not part of God’s plan for us.

No matter what the circumstance, we can always be thankful. God wants us to live with the power of our resurrected Jesus within us and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

God never tires of blessing us- with His unconditional love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, redemption, forgiveness, eternal life, and continual blessings and presence.

It’s good for me to be reminded that everything I have is a blessing from Him.

May I never take for granted or become indifferent towards Him and how He works all things for good in my life!

Blessings!

AnnMarie

All Scripture is from the NIV version unless stated otherwise.