Thankful When You Don't Feel Like ItSample

Does God want His children to be thankful? Scripture makes it very clear that He does. Colossians 3:15 ends this way: “…be ye thankful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, In everything give thanks… Psalm 100:4 tells us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and be thankful unto Him.

If we have an attitude of thanks even during bad circumstances, it will be a testimony to a world that is in panic and free-fall. I am not saying that we will never be afraid; I am saying that we do not have to live in fear. We have something greater that transcends anything bad that can happen in this life.

Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ if we have received Him by faith. If we have accepted Him Who died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again, we have eternal life, and nothing can separate us from the love of God. That is how secure we are in Jesus Christ.

Even if it has been a crazy year, God wants us to be thankful. May I say, especially in a crazy year, God wants us to be thankful. Over the next few days, we are going to see five things that will help remind us of the truth that thankfulness is something that will do a lot of good for us and for those around us.

You might not feel like being thankful. Perhaps this is the first Thanksgiving or other holiday without a loved one. Maybe a family member walked out of your life. I know it is hard, but we must get past our feelings. If we do what is right, God will bless even when times are tough.

Gratitude is something that keeps our eyes focused on the Lord and keeps our hearts tender. From a heart of gratitude proceeds the attributes of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and self-control. In a time when we need these traits more than ever, let us strive to maintain tender hearts of gratitude.