My favourite thing about Thanksgiving is that it allows me to take time to reflect on what I am thankful for and to slow down. It is important to be grateful every day, but sometimes life gets so hectic that I tend to forget.
Here are seven ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude throughout the year.
1. Be thankful for your trials and hardships. This may seem counterintuitive, but everything that happens to us – good or bad – is ultimately for our benefit (Romans 8:28). Just as a muscle grows stronger with resistance, our faith is strengthened when we go through difficult times. We can also use our trials as opportunities to help others who are living through similar struggles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
2. Thank God for His provision. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." God is our Provider, and we can thank Him for His provision in our lives.
3. Give thanks for answered prayers. Psalm 107:1 says, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." When we see God answer our prayers, it's a reminder of His goodness and His faithfulness. So, let's give Him thanks!
4. Thank God for your family and friends. Psalm 68:6 says, "God gives the lonely a home." so we can be thankful that He has given us family and friends to love and support us.
5. Give thanks for your church family. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake meeting together, and part of the reason is that we need each other! We are better together than we are apart, so thank God for your church family
6. Thank God for your salvation. Titus 3:5 says, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." Our salvation is not something we could ever earn—it's a gift from God. So let's thank Him for His amazing grace!
7. Give thanks for each day you have been given. Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Every day is a gift from God, so make sure you take time each day to thank Him for it!
The Adventist way of life should be one of gratitude - not just something we do at Thanksgiving. It is possible for us to develop an attitude of gratitude that glorifies God and demonstrates His love by taking time to thank God every day for all He has done (and continues to do) in our lives.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Pishshapmishko.
Pastor Charles Ed II Aguilar {President, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference}