Be thankful. The Bible says a lot about thankfulness. It counsels us to be thankful always. It tells us to be always prayerful, and stay alert, with a thankful heart. It tells us to not worry, but pray, and offer our prayers with thanksgiving. It tells us to come before the Lord with praise and thanksgiving. In one of my Bibles, I have underlined in red every verse I have found related to giving thanks. There are many.
The frequent mention of thankfulness in the Bible shows us it is something important to God’s heart. In Romans, God explains that one of the attributes of a depraved mind, full of darkness and confusion is a lack of gratitude. It stirs up God’s anger (Romans 1:18-23).
Just looking at the world God created, and trying to count all the blessings He pours out day after day, and moment by moment, causes me to be thankful. Even in a world that is broken, and subject to chaos and uncertainty, there is much for which to be thankful. Here is a short list:
We can be thankful for life and breath, and daily provision. We can give thanks for family, friends, children and laughter. For ice cream, and puppies. We can be thankful for the sunrises and sunsets God paints across the sky. Mountain vistas, ocean views, and a cool breeze on a summer day are all reasons to be thankful. So are apple pie, banana bread and popcorn. Just observing robins, cardinals, hummingbirds, and chickadees moves me to gratitude for God’s creativity.
Let’s remember to be thankful for all the accidents, diseases and catastrophes that never reach us. And for the strength to persevere through the ones that do. I’m thankful for mercy. And for answered prayer.
I am thankful for the beauty that surrounds us. It’s everywhere–in gardens, woods, and plains. I’m thankful for tulips and roses, butterflies, and the scent of honeysuckle. Beauty abounds in art and music. I’m thankful for pianos, oboes, bagpipes and violins.
We can be thankful for freedom, and for those who work to preserve it.
I’m thankful for stimulating conversations. I’m also thankful for questions that don’t have clear answers, but lead us to trust. I’m thankful for challenges that help us to grow.
I’m thankful for sweatshirts and jeans, comfortable shoes, and a comfortable bed. I’m thankful for sailboats and hiking trails. We can be thankful for purposeful work, and times to rest.
Most of all, we can be thankful for Jesus. His sacrifice makes the way for all who come to Him in faith to enjoy eternal life with Him. God has given us so much in this life, but we have a future and a hope, far beyond everything we have now. Regardless of what good times, or hardships we may experience now, God has promised a glorious future to everyone who knows Christ as Lord and Savior.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. . . O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 118:24, 29)
Let us not take anything for granted. Every good gift comes to us from God’s generous hand. May we be thankful.
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12;28 NLT
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
What stirs gratitude in you? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Kim from Pixabay
I am thankful to know you, Phyllis.
My husband and I are thankful for the insights that God gives you and we look forward to your blog each week .
Thank you so much, Debby. To God be the glory.
Thank you for the wise words, Phyllis. I’m so grateful for God, and to God. Praying for you.
Thank you, Joni. God is good–all the time.