The idea of being thankful seems like such an easy thing to do. However, as we face challenging circumstances in life or start seeing so many wrongdoings around the world, it may not be as easy as we had thought. Do we really have to give thanks for everything? What does gratitude really mean?

When we practice giving God thanks on a daily basis for things like the warm blankets that soothe us, the running water in our homes, the fresh food we eat, the clothes on our backs, and the laughter we share with family and friends, our focus is on God and not the dread around us. Does this mean that we should ignore what is happening? Not at all. However, a grateful heart leads us to a place of complete trust in the Giver of all things. So, we know that He is present and will use us as He sees fit in every situation we face.

Gratitude gets us through the hard stuff in life. A grateful heart sees each day as a gift. Therefore, we don’t focus on the past, but we look excitedly toward the new day. When worry starts to sneak in and wants to disrupt your peace, shift your attention to giving thanks for your beating heart and your lungs inhaling and exhaling. Gratitude can dissipate the anxiety and give us the strength and motivation to keep moving forward.

With all the daily things we face, choose to see life with gratitude. Because God is always good, His plans are perfect, and He is with us all the way.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, give me a grateful heart that stays focused on you and all the blessings you have bestowed upon my life. Thank you that you are not only the giver of good gifts, but the Good Giver. All that I have and who I am is because of your great mercies and faithfulness. Let everything I do come from a place of gratitude and love to You. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.      Ephesians 5:20 (NLT).