Thanks-Living, The Benefits of a Thankful Heart

An attitude of gratitude cultivates many blessings and benefits.

Benefit 1: A thankful heart acknowledges reliance of God.

God is the giver of the big and small blessings in each day. Family, food, home, and modern conveniences have been on my list. Increased awareness of them leads to a prayer of thanks; this is another example of the “circle of grace.” Be reminded of the simple blessings around you—the smile of a child, the beauty of the autumn trees, the smell of fresh-baked apple pie, the warmth of family and friends.

 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:31 NIV

A thankful heart is also expectant, looking to God for provision. It keeps us aware of the answer when it comes.

Benefit 2: A thankful heart redirects your mindset.

An attitude of thanks in every situation helps us navigate trials with a positive mindset. It re-focuses our attention on thanking God for His strength, not on the problem. It’s harder to see blessings when life is tough or you receive bad news. Being thankful doesn’t make light of those situations or ignore them. Scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to

 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

It does not say to give thanks for all things, but rather in the midst of all things.

Benefit 3: A thankful heart eliminates complaining.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were less complaining around us? Complaining robs us of motivation and steals our joy. to go forward. We get anxious.

Each day we can choose gratitude instead of grumbling. Rather than making a complaint list in your mind, make a “thankful list” and refer to it when tempted to complain.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

An attitude of gratitude brings peace to our hearts. It calms down worry and crowds out fear and doubt. When I worry I get tied up in knots with anxiety, focusing on the problem. But when I shift my focus to give thanks to God, I gain peace.

Thanksgiving is more than a day. Choose ongoing gratitude in the discipline of Thanks-living.

No matter what season in life you are experiencing, whether it’s a time of great blessing when things are going right or a time of distress when problems overwhelm you, look to the God of all grace with a heart of gratitude.

May you be blessed with the ongoing gratitude of Thanks-living.