“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
‭‭I Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭34

Everything good in our lives comes from our Father in heaven (James 1:17), and you and I should make it a habit to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When things become difficult, it is easy to complain or become critical. But instead, try giving thanks. If thankfulness became our automatic response rather than criticism or complaining, we would be a happier people! If we spent more time taking inventory of what we have instead of what we don’t have, we would become a more contented people. We need to reprogram our thinking (Phil. 4:8).

Paul tells the Thessalonians to give thanks in all circumstances because it is God’s will (1 Thess. 5:18). It is impossible for us to see the full picture in every situation. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is at work in all things, working them together for our good and His glory.

This is why you and I can be thankful—knowing that our Father is behind the scenes, working out His sovereign purposes in our lives. This is how we are able to praise Him both when life is going well and when we think it is not.

We often do not realize the power of thanksgiving in our lives. Look back over your life and consider how the difficult waters have shaped you—like the smooth stones David picked up to defeat Goliath. The Lord uses our sorrows and struggles to conform us into the image of His Son and to make us usable vessels for His glory. 

Anchor For Today:
A thankful heart enables us to see beyond our immediate circumstances, influences the lives of others in meaningful ways, and ultimately brings glory to God.