I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.     Psalm 9:1-2 ESV

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded to be thankful. You have probably heard it said, we are to have an attitude of gratitude all year long. We should always give thanks to God. We are to love Him with all our heart, and we should thank Him with all our heart. When we do this, it is easy to have an attitude of gratitude.

Often times, however, we are more like those poor Israelites wandering around in the desert. We focus on all that we don’t have. We get so focused on what we want that we don’t have, we forget that God is providing all we need. Time and time again, God punished the Israelites for their grumbling and complaining.

When we do this, we are not showing gratitude for all God has done for us. Some people see the glass as half full and some see it as half empty. Some seem to see it as half empty with a hole in it and draining rapidly. Whatever category you fall into, know that God wants us to focus on Him. He wants us to trust in Him to provide all we need. He also wants us to give Him thanks and praise.

As Christians, if we are constantly grumbling and complaining can we really be a Christian? Can we lead others to the Lord with our constant griping? I don’t think so. Because honestly, no one wants to hear that.

We all like to make New Year’s resolutions, but I’m asking you to resolve right now to take your thoughts and your words captive. The next time you find yourself grumbling and complaining, turn that to Thanksgiving and Praise. Think about the good things God has provided for you. Think about the care He has taken of you even though you don’t deserve it. Think about the times He has delivered you when you were in trouble. Thank Him for those times and for the care you know He will take of you in the future.

Starting today, consider Philippians 4:8. Focus on all the good things. Focus on God and all the good He does in your life. We are told in James 1:17 that all good things come from God. We must remember to be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. God wants us to be grateful for all He gives to us. He wants us to turn to Him when the going gets tough and trust in Him to walk us through the fire and the flame.

If you are going through a difficult time today, give it over to God. Trust in Him. Give Him thanks and praise for being the awesome God He is.

When we are able to give thanks and praise in trying circumstances, it shows God we trust in Him. Paul said in Romans 8:28 that all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. If we truly believe God’s word, we will be thankful that even in the hard times we know God is working it out for our good if we are doing our part.

Give Him thanks and praise today. This is His will for you. He gave you His Son to die on the cross so that you may have eternal life. No better gift has ever been given. Be thankful and grateful, not hateful.

Have a great day!