Spiritual Disciplines: Gratitude

Desire: To be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to live with a grateful heart, cognizant of God’s work in my life and my abundant resources.

Psalm 136:1–2 ESV

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Thanksgiving is a remedy for anxiety.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Give thanks in all circumstances. God is in truly sovereign over every square inch of creation.

Whatever you don't give thanks for, you don't believe God did for your own good.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Give thanks or else God will tear you apart.

Psalm 50:22–23 ESV

“Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

Being aware of the abundance of gifts, benefits, mercies, and grace that have been poured into your life.

Curbing a critical attitude by upstaging it with thanksgiving.

Seeing what you have as quickly as you see what you don’t have.

Daily thanking the Lord for His presence in your life.

Receiving everything you have as a gift rather than as an entitlement.

Spiritual exercises

Write a letter of thanks to someone, thanking them for something they did. Be as specific as possible. You can also choose to be anonymous (but don’t be creepy).

Get a current hardship firmly in mind. How do you feel about this hardship? What evidence is there of God’s presence in this hardship? Is there anything you can be thankful for?

Begin each day thanking God for each day.

End each day thanking God for the events of the day.

Have a thanksgiving notebook. Record the blessings that you notice as they happen.

Discussion questions

List 10 unexpected things to give thanks for. No repeats.

How are you addicted to criticism, analysis, and negativity?