9 Verses to Remind You to Give Thanks
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- Published Jun 01, 2023
Are there enough reminders in the world to be grateful? We all know at least one person who can be counted on to have at least one thing they complain about. We find such people in our families, at work, and at church. Sometimes we are that person.
In truth, we could never give enough thanks, not even if we tried. From our relationship with God to our relationships with other people, to our health and possessions, there’s more than enough reason for gratitude every day. But we could get even more particular, giving thanks for the air we breathe, our hands and feet, for our ability to think, even our ability to poop.
Our reasons for gratitude are essentially limitless, but we can’t say the same about our willingness to give thanks. We don’t arise out of bed every morning with gratitude on top of mind. Sometimes, we don’t want to leave bed. But if we were always grateful, why wouldn’t we?
No wonder our parents spent so much time teaching us to appreciate what we have. We desire and covet very naturally, but finding contentment with what already is, well, that is entirely different. This a lesson we ourselves relearn when we begin to child rear.
Gratitude may not come naturally, but it can come daily if we train ourselves. If you or someone you know needs to be reminded of that today, you don’t have to look far. God’s Word has the wisdom you need. Here are nine verses to remind you to give thanks.
9 Verses to Remind You to Give Thanks
“Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We don’t have to be thankful for all the bad things that happen to us, but as this verse indicates, we should be thankful at all times in spite of the bad things that happen. Gratitude is something God desires of us and to our benefit.
“When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
God created many things, but considering all of them, we alone bear His image. This verse and many others like it point to the intimate care God shows mankind. We may think of ourselves as insignificant when pondering the larger cosmos, but we matter to God. Each of us, individually.
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
While our tendency may be towards anxiety and worry, God gives us the assurance that these are burdens we do not need to carry. Through prayer, action, and gratitude, we can come to God. And we can come to Him, always.
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me.” (Psalm 27:10)
When other relationships falter or simply run their course, there’s a comfort we can find in knowing that our relationship with God is forever.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
The talents we use toward work, hobbies, or volunteering are gifts God has imparted to us. How often are those abilities the reason for relationships forming, or having a steady income, or the reason we or someone else smiled? The reason we can bless other people with our talents is because God first blessed us.
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Sometimes sin not only separates us from God, but can leave a stain on our hearts. We look down on ourselves, conclude that God is against us, and figure we have no worth. The truth of the matter is that God loves us and that love is enduring. Every day can be a fresh start because His mercies are ever renewed.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Aside from our talents, another gift God blesses His children with is salvation. That’s a great assurance to take with us daily, especially when the world seems to be coming down around us.
“Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
How often do we doubt God’s provision? How often does God provide? He created the animals and took care of their needs. He created us too, and we bear His image.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
We don’t enter into life choosing our families, our successes, or our trials, but whatever day we find ourselves in, we can rest assured that God is with us and He is in control. Nothing happens to us without His approval. And for that, we can not only be glad but be thankful.
Conclusion
Are there enough reminders in the world to be grateful? Probably not. Could there ever be enough reminders? Doubtful. Children are a representation of our human nature, who we would be if not for God’s wisdom. We would have the capacity for good deeds and bad, but gratitude would be far from normal. We know this because even with God’s Word, gratitude is still something we struggle to maintain. Not just the children but adults too. When life gets tough or doesn’t go our way, we get creative in how we complain - prayer, social media, venting, journaling.
What if we were just as creative in how we expressed gratitude? Imagine that kind of outlook on life. Our relationship with God would benefit our relationships with people, our health, emotions, and everything.
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