Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2–5)
I often forget about what God has gifted me with and focus on what’s going wrong in my life. During those times, I have to take a step back and recognize everything I have. When I see the bigger picture again, I’m left with the fact that there is no reason for me to be ungrateful.
I deserve nothing. Because I’m a sinner, I deserve the punishment of death and eternal separation from God. However, through God’s grace in sending Jesus to die for my sins, I have a new life when I accept this. The way I see it, everything I have isn’t truly mine. It’s God’s.
Recently, I learned that taking time each day and thanking God for what I have changes the way I live my life. I’m not perfect and make mistakes, but I can forgive myself knowing that God did the same for me.
Here are some personal insights on maintaining gratitude.
Prayer
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
In the past few weeks, I started praying more consistently. Not that I didn’t pray at all, but it was infrequent and sometimes half-hearted. One Sunday morning before church, I sat down at my desk and spent an hour writing a prayer. It was weird at first. One of the first things I said in that prayer was, “God, I feel weird writing out a prayer like this.” However, writing my prayers made me more intentional with what I prayed for. It’s provided me a new perspective on my relationship with God and how I should interact with Him.
I usually try to structure my prayers as follows:
Praise/Thankfulness — Thank God for…
- The day
- What He has done (salvation)
- Who He is
- What He has provided (wife, family, friends, church, etc.)
- How He is currently working (life, job, money situations, car problems, house hunting, etc.)
Others — Pray over family, friends, coworkers, etc.
- Prayer requests
- Situations people are going through (health, family, job, etc.)
- How I can love them
Personal Prayer Requests
- Guidance (personal situations, learning, etc.)
- Wisdom
- Health
- Family (marriage, future, etc.)
This isn’t concrete. Sometimes I will quickly thank God or lift up a request during the day. You don’t need to have every prayer structured, but it helps me to follow an outline so my heart and mind are in the right space. Praying throughout the day helps me stay content because I thank God for all I have, no matter the circumstance.
Declutter
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)
I talk about minimalism often. It’s a part of my life and I think everyone can benefit from it. Minimalism is where you cut out the excess things to make room for what’s most important in your life. Occasionally, I go through my possessions and determine what I need and what I can remove. When I’m left with what remains, I feel thankful knowing I have everything I need and the donations can be used by someone who needs it more than me.
Maybe you’re holding on to things you think you need, but only provide stress and mental burden. It’s okay to let go. You’re better off knowing you have only what you need and feel content with what God has provided you.
Scripture Reading
If you don’t read the Bible, maintaining a relationship with God is extremely difficult. By reading Scripture, you understand God and grow closer to Him. He provides the tools to live life according to His will.
There’s an abundance of verses and passages that can help remind you to be thankful. There’s a couple throughout this article, or you can go online if you’re not sure where to look in the Bible.
If you don’t have a Bible or are in the market for a new one, I have a few recommendations at the end of this article.
Take a look at Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)
Paul wrote this under house arrest.
House. Arrest.
I’m sure that if this dude can remain content and grateful for God’s provision, I can stay thankful even when I get too much ice in my Chai Latte from Starbucks.
For some of you reading, I understand you may be dealing with some deep emotional or physical wounds. I can’t speak directly to your situation since I’ve probably never experienced it, let alone I don’t understand since I’m not you. Here’s what I know that hopefully will provide you some peace, or at least begin to help you.
Earlier in the letter mentioned above, Paul writes this:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)
God is a provider of peace. He has given us everything we need. By laying your problems down for God to pick up, you put your trust in Him.
And we know that for those that love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
This verse doesn’t mean that whatever you want is going to happen. Here’s one way to look at it. No matter what happens to you, you are cared for by the God who created all life. He will not throw you to the side, He will not forsake you, and He most certainly will always love you. It doesn’t matter if you doubt Him or become angry with Him, He’s not leaving.
I understand that this won’t change your mindset immediately. We all encounter hardships and it’s hard to trust God when it seems like everything is falling apart. I’m guilty of it constantly. Struggling with doubt and worry doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you human. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus Christ, all doubt, worry, and fear will be gone in eternity. He will heal us of all sickness and sin that affects us.
What I’m Most Grateful For
I’m blessed. God is faithful and He is my Provider. It would take forever to list how God has worked in my life. Despite everything, there’s one thing I always come back to. The one I’m most grateful for.
The Gospel.
God loved me so much that He sacrificed His son, Jesus to die in my place. I deserve to die and to spend eternity apart from God because I am a sinner. When I believed that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and resurrected, and I repented from my sin, I was given new life along with the ability to spend eternity with Him.
In simpler words, I’m set for life. I don’t need to worry about what tomorrow brings, because in the end, I will spend eternity with Jesus. I can’t think of anything better.
I hope that you would feel the same about this. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, I encourage you to consider it. It will change your life forever.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works. (Psalm 73:23–28)
Bible Recommendations
Below are some of my Bible recommendations. I read mostly from the ESV, so that’s what makes up my personal recommendations. I don’t believe this is the only true translation, as I find value reading from different translations too. Feel free to view my recommendations or do your own research to find out what’s best for you.
Digital (& FREE!!)
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Physical
From My Personal Library
- ESV Scripture Journal: Old Testament & New Testament
- ESV Reader’s Bible
