What's There to be Thankful For?
In today’s culture, it often feels like gratitude is in short supply. We live in a fast-paced, self-focused world that constantly tells us to look out for ourselves, achieve more, and never stop to reflect. Yet research shows that practicing gratitude isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for our health. Studies have found that people who regularly express gratitude experience better mental health, improved sleep, stronger relationships, and even lower blood pressure. Gratitude literally rewires our brains to focus on what is good, instead of dwelling on what’s missing or wrong.
Scripture calls us to this practice as well. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” But what does it mean to truly cultivate a life of thankfulness in the middle of challenges, distractions, and the natural tendency to focus on ourselves? Here are three things to know about biblical gratitude.
1. Gratitude is a Command
Gratitude isn’t optional. God commands us to give thanks. This may feel counterintuitive in a world that tells us to earn, achieve, and secure our own happiness, but biblical gratitude is a deliberate act of obedience. When Paul tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, he doesn’t say for all circumstances. This is an important distinction. We are not expected to be thankful for pain, loss, or hardship, but we are commanded to give thanks through it, recognizing God’s presence and sovereignty.
Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” Unexpressed gratitude communicates ingratitude. Saying “thank you” to God, even in difficult seasons, is an acknowledgment that He is in control and that our focus is not on ourselves, but on Him.
2. Gratitude is Continual
Gratitude is not a one-time exercise or a seasonal sentiment; it is continual. Life doesn’t get easier, and challenges don’t disappear, but cultivating a mindset of thankfulness transforms how we experience those challenges. Continual gratitude trains our hearts to notice what is already good rather than obsess over what is lacking. It reshapes our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from fear to trust.
When we are tempted to count our problems instead of our blessings, biblical gratitude reminds us to redirect our focus. Even in the smallest moments—meals shared, acts of kindness, laughter, or quiet beauty—thankfulness can flourish. It is in these consistent, daily choices to notice and acknowledge God’s goodness that gratitude becomes a lifestyle, not just a feeling.
3. Gratitude is Our Calling
Finally, gratitude is not just a personal practice; it is our calling. God designed us to live in relationship with Him, and giving thanks is an essential part of that relationship. When we express gratitude, we declare that we are not self-focused and that our lives are intertwined with God’s purposes. Gratitude is His answer to a self-centered world, a countercultural act that points others to hope, humility, and dependence on God.
Giving thanks—even in hardship—is a way of living our faith. It communicates to others and to ourselves that our trust is not in circumstances or human effort but in God alone. When we focus on who to thank, we no longer get lost in the endless list of problems and complaints. We simply give thanks, as Paul instructs.
A Challenge for This Season
As we approach the holidays and the end of the year, we’re inviting you to turn gratitude into a daily practice with our Gratitude Stocking. This simple, meaningful tradition helps you pause, reflect, and recognize God’s goodness, even in the middle of pain, frustration, or uncertainty. Each card you place in the stocking is a reminder that there is always something to be thankful for.
Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is a discipline, a command, and a calling. The Gratitude Stocking is a tangible way to shift your focus from what is missing to what God has already provided, and to build a rhythm of thankfulness for yourself and your family.
Get yours today and make gratitude a daily choice, not just a seasonal one. Let this small step become a powerful reminder of who we thank and why it matters.
