Slideshow image

Psalm 100:4–5 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Most of us already know we should be thankful. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “Why does it matter so much?” Why does Scripture keep bringing it up?

Because gratitude isn’t just a polite Christian thing to do, it’s a lifeline. It's a spiritual reset button. It’s how we enter His presence and remind our souls that God is good, even when life feels anything but.

And honestly, sometimes thankfulness feels like one more thing on the list, especially on the tough days. 

But the Bible says something bold: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In everything. Not just when life is smooth and our prayers have been answered. Even in the mess. Even when we're waiting. Why? Because gratitude shifts our focus from the problem to the One who has the solution.

  • If you’re facing something hard, thank Him that He is your deliverer.
  • If you're walking through sickness, thank Him as your healer.
  • If you're weary, thank Him for being your strength.

We don’t give thanks because life is perfect. We give thanks because God is faithful.

And here’s what I’ve noticed about myself: I can pray for something, God can answer, and within days, my mind is already on the next thing. Our culture moves so fast. We rarely pause long enough to say, “Lord, thank You. I see what You did there.”

But gratitude slows us down. It brings our focus back to God’s track record, and His record is perfect.

Psalm 136:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.

Take time to reflect on His faithfulness. Look back on the situations He carried you through. When you remember God’s track record, your faith rises. His faithfulness is 100%, yesterday, today, and forever. One practical thing that helps: start keeping a gratitude list. A journal, a phone note, whatever works. Write down the big stuff and the small things: the answered prayers and the quiet blessings.

Then, when life gets heavy, look back and remind your soul that God has come through for me before, and He will again.

Being thankful doesn’t ignore reality; it gives us the proper perspective. It builds hope, joy, and faith. Gratitude keeps our hearts anchored and our perspective, and reminds us we are never alone and that we are always cared for.

Psalm 9:1 — I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

Psalm 34:1 — His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

So today, take a breath and look around. What has God done for you? How has He been faithful? Where has He shown you mercy, or comfort, or strength? Say it out loud. Thank Him. Gratitude brings your heart back home.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are worthy to be praised. Thank you for everything you have done in my life and everything that You are going to do in the future. I love you and give thanks to your name!