Day 2: Thanksgiving and Gratitude

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful. It is a show of appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude and thanksgiving are a heart posture and should never be based on one's circumstances. For the believer, gratitude and thanksgiving are a command!

Psalm 100 verse 4 in the message translation says, “Enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’ Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him”

Thanksgiving gives us access to God’s presence and should be the nature of every believer. Imagine having an ungrateful friend who constantly complains and tells you all their problems without listening to you versus one who is appreciative not just of you but of life and has a positive attitude. Who would you prefer to be around? I will leave you to judge…

Here are 5 key benefits of Thanksgiving and Gratitude:

1. Gratitude changes your perspective. It helps you see the bigger picture. We begin to see people and circumstances from Heaven’s perspective. ‘In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you' - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

2. Gratitude avoids clouded judgement. This helps one to make better decisions. 'I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help' - Psalm 121:1 (NKJV)

3. Gratitude is an invitation. It creates an atmosphere for heaven's dwelling. 'But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed' - Acts 16:25-26 (NLT)

4. Gratitude is a key! It unlocks more. 'Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him' - Psalm 100:4 (MSG)

5. Gratitude fills one's life with joy. ‘A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones' - Proverbs 15:30 (NLT)

Activity: Reflect on the past season and write down 10-20 things for which you are grateful. Think broadly in relation to the season in question. If needed, look at pictures and messages to help remind you.