Day 26

We have been looking at this simple but powerful prayer, “Jesus, thank you.” Earlier we read 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says, “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” The word “all” is interesting to me. It’s one thing to be thankful in “some” circumstances or even in “most” of them. But all?

The point Paul was making was not that you need to be happy when bad things happen. I don’t think God expects you to jump for joy over every illness, tragedy, or bit of bad news, like some form of spiritual masochism. The point is to remain thankful in and through all of these circumstances. This command to be thankful is less about saying certain words and more about putting on gratitude as a way of life, regardless of circumstances.

Thankfulness is a filter to see the world through. When you are a grateful person, you look at things differently. You see the silver lining in the clouds. You see hope on the horizon. You believe that God is working all things together for good, which means you can be thankful in all things.

Practicing thankfulness invites God to work in fresh ways in every circumstance, regardless of the difficulties you face. It is a daily choice that builds resistance to negative emotions like resentment, bitterness, and anger, and it helps you remain in the flow of the Spirit.

Gratitude releases dopamine, serotonin, and other “feel-good” neurotransmitters, as I mentioned earlier. In essence, practicing thankfulness makes you feel happier from within. It releases joy, as Psalm 9:1–2 describes: “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you.” In my experience, engaging in thanksgiving and praise, especially through worship music, releases this joy and strengthens the soul.

To increase your gratitude, consider making a thankfulness list. Document everything you’re thankful for and add to the list daily. This will help keep grumbling and complaining from taking hold of your heart, and it will be a protection against the traps of comparison and covetousness.

Questions for Reflection

1. How does thankfulness function as a defense against negative emotions and attitudes such as resentment and bitterness?
2. In what ways does thankfulness strengthen your inner sense of joy and resilience?
3. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a habit of thankfulness in your daily routine?