TUESDAY Most of us remember (at least on Thanksgiving!) to offer thanks to God for the good things in life. But have you ever thought about thanking God for the things in life that aren’t quite right...personal failure, sickness, troubled relationships, loss of a loved one, unexpected delays, unwelcome changes, etc.? It might seem strange, but it’s actually a good thing to give thanks for the good AND the bad. Why? Because God can use even the “storms” in life for our ultimate good. We can thank Him — and trust Him — because He wants only the very best for us and will work out even the difficulties to help us to grow strong in our faith and walk with Him. Read Romans 8:35, 37.
WEDNESDAY For the next several days we’ll focus on one specific area of life that we can be thankful for. Ready? Get out a piece of paper and make three columns. At the top of the first column, write “God.” Now list anything in life you are thankful for related to God — who He is and what He’s done. For example, forgiveness of sin, gifts and abilities (be specific), His Word, etc., etc. Need some inspiration? Read Ephesians 1:3-15.
THURSDAY Read Philippians 1:3. Now get your paper back out, and write “People” in the second column. Fill this column with the names of people you are especially thankful for. You could even add a little note about why you are particularly thankful for each one. Don’t forget to pray over your list thanking God for these people. Then thank the people, too (as you’re able)! Maybe even write one or two special people on your list a note of thanks, letting them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.
FRIDAY Read James 1:17, then write “Things” at the top of the last column of your table. Chances are you can think of LOTS of stuff to fill in here! God has blessed us all in so many ways. But how often do you actually thank God for these things? Well, here’s your opportunity! It’s important to take the time to acknowledge God’s blessings (spiritual, people, and things) and truly thank Him for all He’s given for us to enjoy...not just in celebration of Thanksgiving, but in celebration of life in Christ. Will you choose to have an “attitude of gratitude”?
SATURDAY Has anyone ever done something so nice for you that you couldn’t wait to tell everyone about it? Well, get this: If you know Jesus personally, you were lost and now you’re found, you were dead in sin and He made you alive, a prisoner and He set you free, separated from God and without hope and He gave you a reason to live and a future home Heaven! Way too awesome to keep to quiet about, right? One way we can show gratitude to God is by telling others what He has done. Like Psalm 105:1-2 says, the gift of salvation is meant to be shared! Who could you share with today?