When you’re thankful for what you have – your health, your family, your resources and so on – it changes how you think and act.

But this kind of thanksgiving is not merely an emotional response to something good that’s happened. It’s intentional, something you offer to God even for the seemingly bad things that occur in your life. God's Word tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

That sounds difficult, I know – but it’s incredibly powerful, because when you express thanksgiving in word and in prayer, it will displace doubt and increase your sense of emotional well-being. You simply cannot have thanksgiving and doubt in the same space.

And the great thing is, you can declare thanksgiving anytime throughout the day – or especially the night, when those feelings of doubt seem most prevalent. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (NIV)

Let prayerful thanksgiving be your One Thing.  Keep a gratitude journal in which you list at least one blessing each day. Then pray about that blessing, and reflect on how God made Himself real to you through it.

Tell Us
What blessings are you most thankful for this year? How does giving God thanks help grow your faith? We’d love to hear from you. Post your comments below.