Practice Gratitude

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Family gatherings. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Turkey and dressing. Pumpkin pie. Football. While it is about all of those things, the most crucial aspect of it is to stop and give thanks, counting our blessings. And, we should not just do that on a day set aside on the calendar in November. 

Gratitude is more than a reaction to blessings; it’s a choice, a posture of the heart, a way of seeing God’s presence and blessings woven through every season. Today’s key verse invites us to give thanks for all things, but also to give thanks in all things. Not every situation is good, but God is always present and working in our lives.

Read Luke 17:11-19. In these verses, Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, passing between Galilee and Samaria. He encountered ten people with leprosy. They begged Him to have mercy on them and heal them. And, of course, Jesus did it. What a miracle! These men’s lives were changed forever! You would expect them to run back, shouting praises to God from the rooftops, right? Not exactly. Only one of these ten returned to express his gratitude. It is easy for us to look at this and want to say, “shame on them,” but aren’t we the same? 

I know I need a more thankful mindset, and most of you can probably identify. For this to happen, we must practice. Growing up, I played trumpet in the band program. I spent hours and hours practicing during those years. I’m sure it nearly drove my mother insane. When we want to master a skill, we have to practice. Thus, the line “practice makes perfect.” Such is the case with gratitude. 

If we practice gratitude daily, our perspective shifts. We tend to worry less. We see our blessings more easily. We grow more aware of God’s steady hand at work. Gratitude opens our eyes to the everyday miracles we often overlook, such as our health, the people we love, the strength we didn’t know we had, and the mercies that meet us each morning. We can maintain a positive frame of mind and experience joy, and when we do, it rubs off on others. 

How do we practice gratitude? We start by taking small steps. Set aside a time each day to reflect and thank the Lord. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has practiced a daily gratitude habit for nearly 3 years. He says, “When I sit down to eat dinner, I say one thing that I am grateful for happening today.” Just try it. Right now. Pause and name three things, big or small, for which you are grateful. 

As you give thanks, may gratitude become a pathway to peace, joy, and renewed trust in Him. May this practice draw you closer to God, soften your spirit, and deepen your awareness of His faithful love and goodness. We shouldn’t wait for one day in November to stop and express our gratitude. Practicing gratitude should be a daily habit. Let's make it part of our routine. 

Call to Action

-Commit to, while you are doing a routine task like brushing your teeth, driving to work, or washing dishes, to stop and practice gratitude. 

-Make a list of as many blessings as you can think of. Over the next week, select items from the list to thank God for specifically. 

-Express gratitude for a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor directly to them or do something for them that shows this. 

-Create a Gratitude Jar-invite family members to write down things throughout the year and drop them in the jar, and then read them together on Thanksgiving next year. 

Digging Deeper

Read these prayers of thanksgiving: Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Daniel in Daniel 2:17-23. Check out these Psalms during the days leading up to Thanksgiving: Psalm 30, Psalm 34, Psalm 89, Psalm 92, Psalm 95, Psalm 100, and Psalm 111.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your many blessings. Teach us to cultivate hearts of gratitude in every circumstance. Help us recognize Your presence, rely on Your promises, and respond with praise. Amen.

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens