It’s important to know Who we are grateful to!

I believe gratefulness that stems from a Biblical frame-of-reference keeps our hearts and minds in a right relationship with the giver of life Himself!

James 1:16-17 says, “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

God should always be the central focus of our gratitude, as He is perfect and never changes! Our feelings can certainly change, as well as our circumstances changing constantly … yet, we can rely on the fact that God will never leave us or forsake us.

I’ve found it helpful to dynamically go through a mental list of very specific things I’m thankful to the Lord for. Especially when I’m tempted to complain and grumble about something I wished was different.

Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

Being thankful to the Lord should be a way of life for us as believers, and it would be great if it naturally flowed from our hearts and minds … evidenced by our actions.

In order for this to be a reality for me, I have to prayerfully go over items on my list and thank the Lord personally for each and every one of them.

That’s when I experience inner peace, along with a changed perspective that surpasses understanding.

May God be glorified as we respond to His everlasting presence with hearts of praise and thanksgiving!