The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their trouble.
William Penn
As we read God’s Word, we can see the theme of being thankful. There are hundreds of verses telling us to give thanks or offer praise to God. People who are thankful are known to be less depressed, get better grades in school, sleep better, stay healthy, have deeper friendships, and have a brighter outlook on life. Basically, gratitude is good for you!
”In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.“ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
Relationships
”And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.“ Galatians 6:9 KJV
Relating to people is the heartbeat of our lives. We’ll rarely go a day without having interactions with other people in our many roles. Are we thankful for the people God has put in our lives? Do we express our gratefulness to (and for) them? It’s been said that we are like the people we spend the most time with. Who we allow in our personal inner circles affects our gratitude quotient. Be mindful of who you spend time with.
- Replace complaints with compliments.
- Serve someone to lighten their burden
- Write down something you’re grateful for about the people in your life.
- Just say “thanks.”
Health
”What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.“ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV
In this fallen world in which we live, there will be struggles each of us face. Sometimes a health challenge is thrust upon us, while other times, we bring things upon ourselves. Regardless of where we are in these areas of our health, when we wake up each day, we have reason to thank God for our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.
- Honor your body as God’s temple (exercise and eat healthy food)
- Strengthen your mind.
- Grow spiritually by reading the Bible, attending church, and gathering with fellow followers of Jesus.
Career
”And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.“ Colossians 3:17 KJV
All of us work at something. Before we can earn a monetary wage, we may work at school or do chores at our house. No matter what each of our “careers” look like, we have the opportunity to live a life of gratitude for how God has brought us to where we are. Whether you’re struggling to locate work or content where you are, always keep in mind that you’re working for God first. Do every task, assignment, and duty in His name, and thank Him regularly for the ability to do so.
- Even if you’re unhappy in your current job, be thankful for the ability to be employed
- Be grateful for what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t.
- List what you love (E.g. the health and retirement benefits or friends that you’ve made while working at your job) and focus on the good
Finances
”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 4:19 KJV
We often wish we had more. And we think that a possession or amount of money will bring lasting gratitude, when in reality, it’s just a temporary fix that will soon need to be satisfied once again. No matter how much money we make, it’s wise to see our income as a gift. Chances are, there are more people in the world who might think the lives we live are amazing. Keeping our lives free from the love of money will help us be more satisfied.
”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.“ Hebrews 13:5 KJV
”Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.“
James 1:17 KJV
- Thank God for the gift of a place to live regardless of size or style.
- Thank God for the provision to have what you own.
- Thank God for the gift of the conveniences of basic needs like food and water.
At the root of our desire to gain more money or possessions is a misunderstanding of what we truly need. God cares too much about us to give us everything we want, but loves us immensely and will meet our needs. We need to continually be thankful for the immeasurable love He bestows upon us through the various facets of our lives.
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 