Seven Scriptures Highlighting the Importance of Cultivating a Thankful Heart
2023 did not play out the way I wanted, as for many of us too. It was not the worst year but it was not the best year either. Also, the economic downturn in some places like my country, Nigeria, made the year a bit unbearable for her citizens.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, it is easy for some to want to skip the holiday. Because in retrospect, you just cannot seem to find what to be grateful for. Are you being honest? Yes! Is it the right approach to life as a Christian? No! It is true that living is somewhat synonymous with challenges and uncertainties. But it is also true that God admonishes us to give thanks in all situations. Whether it is a good one or a bad one.
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Let me tell you a secret! Prior to growing in God’s word, I always felt God instructing us to give thanks in all situations, showed that He intended for us to be dishonest about our feelings. How else can He expect us to show gratitude to Him on days when we are hurting or barely have strength to continue pushing through?
With time, I have come to realize that God is truly omniscient. Hence, when He lays out instructions that make no sense, it is still for our benefit.
Showing gratitude or giving thanks when things are not so great is not dishonesty. It is in response to the faith and hope we have built in God throughout a particular time. It is a simple acknowledgment of the fact that we trust and rely on God. Here, we are sure that no matter what the report or situation is, He will never leave our side.
With that said, here are verses further highlighting the importance of getting into the thanksgiving mode whether 2023 has been THAT year or not:
- Psalm 100:4-5
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”
Psalms 100:4-5 NKJV
- Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 NKJV
- Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
- Psalms 107:1-2
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
Psalms 107:1-2 NKJV
- 2 Corinthians 9:11
while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
2 Corinthians 9:11 NKJV
- Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 NKJV
- Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV
Gratitude is not a feeling, it is an attitude. Even on days when it is quite challenging to lift our hands up in worship and praise, endeavor to still lift them up. Because if we look closer, we will see a million and one reasons why our lifted arms are the right posture. Happy Thanksgiving.
What's Your Reaction?
