7 Ways Being Thankful Changes Everything

Christians are constantly wondering about God’s will and specific purpose for them as if it’s some mystery shrouded in Scripture that only wise counsel can unlock. Yet Scripture is very clear on the topic. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) clearly states: ^“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (emphasis added).

Simply said, having a grateful attitude toward all things is how believers best live His will for them. God wants us to be thankful in every and all circumstances, not just the happy, special, momentous ones. That means He desires our gratitude (and praise) in the hard things, the difficult things, the inconvenient and downright frustrating things. It also means being thankful in the painful and sorrowful things. It isn’t easy, but it ushers us into a whole new way of surrender, and that is God’s will for you.

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It’s easy to complain or feel entitled when circumstances don’t go your way. Yet, to be constantly thankful, even for the little things, changes your perspective and ushers you into an attitude of praise. Furthermore, being thankful in all things—even the hard things, as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 exhorts—reminds you and me that He is God and we are not, and that is a game-changer when it comes to a spiritually healthy perspective.

When my mom passed away last year, how could I be thankful for that? Losing our loved ones is not easy, nor a reason for praise. But as I began to thank God for every element of His peace and perfect timing surrounding her death, it softened the blow and reinforced to me that He is good in all things, and that grew my faith. When you are thankful in all things, it reminds you that you are in very capable hands, no matter what comes your way.

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Studies show that people who are thankful, content, and positive (rather than negative) are sick less often and generally live longer. Thankful, positive people also tend to have many friends, and that social aspect of their lives may also contribute to being healthier and living longer, as well. Think about it. Don’t you enjoy being around people who are positive, thankful, and looking on the bright side of situations, rather than people who are constantly complaining? A critical spirit can be contagious, but so can a grateful spirit. 

Proverbs 16:24 says: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” I always thought that was referring to how our words can encourage and help heal others. But I truly believe that a gracious, thankful spirit can be healing to our own bodies as well. There is a direct correlation between your outlook and your overall well-being and health. So be continually thankful and you may find yourself healthier, physically as well as spiritually.

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If you’re having a bad day, complaining often, or just feeling as if God has forgotten you, doesn’t lingering in your misery just make it last longer? Yet, when you choose to be thankful for what you do have, it reminds you of God’s sovereignty over all things and, therefore, His presence. And Psalm 16:11 tells us, “in His presence is fullness of joy.” 

Psalm 100:2 commands us to “Come into his presence with singing!” and there is no condition put on that. Whether good things are happening or not, we are to be in His presence, full of praise and Thanksgiving. And Psalm 22:3 tells us God is “enthroned on the praises of Israel” (ESV). The King James Version says He inhabits the praises of His people. 

If you are ever feeling like God is distant, it could be because your praise is infrequent. Start thanking God for “every good thing given and perfect gift” (James 1:17 NASB), and those He has withheld as well, and you will sense His presence. When we praise Him, we put ourselves in the position to recognize His presence, to see His works everywhere, and to allow His thoughts to penetrate ours. 

Start thanking Him for all you have, and all you don’t have, too. Praise Him for Who He is, not necessarily what He’s done. It will remind you that He is sovereign over all things and that He is near.

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God’s spirit dwells “with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). That means He is near the humble, and His heart seeks to bless those who rely on Him, not themselves. 

When we are humble, He lifts us up. When we humbly thank Him for all we have and don’t have, and choose to be content as a way of honoring Him, He blesses that. 

Proverbs 16:18 tells us: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” And the opposite happens when we humble ourselves before God—He lifts us up at the proper time (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). Furthermore, James 4:6 clearly states: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

When you are thankful for all things instead of elevating yourself with a spirit of entitlement, it keeps you humble and puts you in a position where God is pleased to lift you up in His way and in His timing. Wouldn’t you rather have His abundant blessings for you than strive to carve out some slivers of blessings for yourself?

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There is nothing more unattractive than a follower of Christ acting boldly entitled—whether it’s toward a server at a restaurant, on the phone with a customer service representative, or in your church or workplace when you didn’t get the credit or treatment you felt you deserved. 

Hebrews 12:2-3 exhorts us to keep our eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” 

We should be the last people on earth who feel entitled to good treatment. After all, we follow a Savior, the God-man who was hated without cause (John 15:25) and not acknowledged with the royal treatment He fully deserved. Being thankful for even the small things tells the world without God that you follow a different path.

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Anyone can be thankful when good things happen. Every celebrity in Hollywood used to thank God as soon as they were holding an Oscar in their hands. But who chooses to thank God even when life is not delivering what they hoped and prayed for? Only one who is obedient and surrendered to God can be thankful every day and in every way. Be that follower of Jesus, one who follows Him for Who He is, not for what He’s done. 

Jesus told the people of His day that they were an evil generation, always looking for a sign, or a handout, or a show. Do you also follow Jesus for what He’ll give you or do you follow Him for Who He is, regardless of how your life turns out? Jesus said those are the only true followers, and the Ones He will declare to His Father in heaven. 

This Thanksgiving, prepare your heart to be a person of gratitude all year long, and see how it changes everything, including you. 

For more on cultivating an attitude of gratitude, see Cindi’s newest book: The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

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