Very few have trouble naming things they are thankful for. We quickly hear, my family, my friends, a home, a job… But who are they thanking? Do they even know? Maybe. Maybe not.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1

As believers, we are called to be thankful in everything. This does not mean we simply list all the things we couldn’t be without, but instead giving God the glory for the countless things He’s given to us; and giving God the glory amidst the trials and struggles.

Perhaps you’re thinking, why should I thank God for the hardships? Or maybe these questions are on your mind: How can I thank God for taking someone I loved? How can I be thankful for someone who hurt me? Do you know how sick I am? How can I be thankful for God allowing me to lose my job or allowing this awful thing to happen? I have asked myself these very questions.

We are to give thanks in all circumstances because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us (1 Thess 5:18).

Why is it so important?

A thankful heart is the beginning of everything that’s right. And it starts with the gospel. Thankfulness is acknowledging there is someone who’s greater than ourselves. It’s acknowledging there is a greater purpose for us than the ordinary life we live each day. It’s remembering the sacrifice that Jesus took for us. The horrible beating, the ruthless mocking, the horrifically painful death. For us. We have the ugly mark of sin in our heart. We can never clean it up or rid of it. The consequence for our sin is death. But because of the incredible mercy and wonderful grace of God, He offered His Son to be our sacrifice. To die in our place so that we may have life. We owe Him everything. And it starts with our humble thanksgiving.

How can we be thankful in all circumstances?

Do you know what verse 17 says? Pray without ceasing.

Thankfulness is a heart attitude. It’s a perspective. It involves both the heart and the mind. It isn’t easy and it doesn’t come nature. A thankful heart is a humble heart and it begins with prayer. A thankful heart is one that belongs to God.

We are naturally ungrateful people. We want to linger in our own pity parties. We want to pridefully celebrate being mistreated, left out, hurt or how unfortunate we are. But thankfulness chases away the affliction of selfishness. It lifts our eyes from own desires and demands to the One who made us. It chases out bitterness and pursues love and forgiveness. It sees that though circumstances may be undesirable and may constantly change, God is never changing. And though people may fail us, God remains faithful. He is holy. He’s always good and gracious. He’s always merciful and always loving.

A perspective of thanksgiving keeps God as our focus. It keeps our mind set on Him. We relinquish our power, giving up our will and submitting to His. It’s a mind who puts Him first; above all else and before all things.

Don’t forget that 1 Thessalonians 5:18 isn’t limited to Thanksgiving Day. It’s every day.

Every day should be a day of thanksgiving. For without Him we would be nothing and we would have nothing.