It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night. Psalm 92:1-2 (NKJV)
Are you thankful on a daily basis? All too often we forget to notice things we are grateful for as we go through our daily lives. Not only that, but we forget the most important step: actually expressing that thanks.
Many of the great leaders in the Bible modelled a habit of gratitude. For example, despite chronicling a multitude of struggles and hardships, David’s Psalms showed his focus always returning to praise, rejoicing and giving thanks to God. (See Psalm 92 in particular.)
The Apostle Paul is another example. He often included an expression of thanks in his letters to the churches. Even though he spent a lot of time correcting people and dealing with problems, his opening sentences let the people know he was thankful to God and thankful for them. (See 1 Corinthians 1:4.) I’m not saying that these leaders gave thanks for the difficulties they faced, but they remained thankful during hard times, which is incredibly important.
This gratitude is a habit you can form too, remembering that showing people your gratitude is what matters most. Why? Because it affects both you and them. Gratitude positively affects your heart, and the person on the receiving end feels appreciated and valued.
Gratitude is especially important if you’re working on growing or restoring a relationship. Ask Holy Spirit to show you how to be thankful in every situation. Then, as you grow that gratitude in your heart, choose also to have it blossom out into your life by showing, expressing and practicing that gratitude every day.