For November’s blog, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I couldn’t think of a better topic than gratitude.
The Bible mentions themes of gratitude time and again, from the heartfelt prayers of the psalmists to the letters of the apostles. We see Daniel modeling gratitude faithfully, praying and giving thanks to God multiple times a day:
“He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
Daniel 6:10
The book of Psalms is filled with expressions of thankfulness and praise, below is just a few:
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
Psalm 9:1
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 107:1
In the New Testament, Paul places great emphasis on gratitude in his letters to the churches:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Clearly, gratitude is not just a passing thought—it’s a very intentional part of our relationship with God. And one of the most powerful things about gratitude is its ability to transform our perspective.
When we choose to look at life through a lens of thankfulness, everything shifts. Gratitude doesn’t change our circumstances, but it changes how we see them. A heart focused on God’s goodness begins to notice blessings even in difficult seasons. What once felt heavy can suddenly feel purposeful; what once seemed lacking can begin to feel full.
And one of the coolest things I’ve come across lately is how modern psychology is catching up to what the Bible has been teaching all along. In recent years, we have seen countless studies highlighting the benefits of gratitude.
If you’re interested, here is an article that links to several studies showing how gratitude can positively affect both mental and physical health:
Practices like gratitude journaling are becoming increasingly popular and widely recommended. Even ‘self-help experts’ often encourage people to start their day by listing three things they’re grateful for, citing starting your day with gratitude affects how you respond to the circumstances and situations you’ll face throughout your day.
Isn’t in incredible that Daniel showed us the same principle in action centuries ago, by offering thanks to God multiple times every day? Now in today’s time, we get to see that science is reflecting what Scripture has already revealed: a grateful heart is a peaceful heart.
God designed us this way on purpose. He knows that when our hearts are centered on gratitude, we draw closer to Him. Living in a state of gratitude can change how we think, how we feel, and even how we experience each day. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the One who provides everything we need.
But having a grateful mindset isn’t easy. Gratitude is not our default—at least, it’s not mine. My first instinct is often to complain, to focus on what’s missing, and sometimes I even want to sulk about it.
I’m continually learning that gratitude is a discipline. It’s something we grow in with intention. It takes awareness to pause, catch those negative thoughts, and shift from complaint to thankfulness.
The good news is that we don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to start cultivating a grateful heart. Even in the midst of challenges (perhaps especially then) small, intentional acts of gratitude can begin to transform our perspective.
Pausing to thank God for a simple blessing, like a warm cup of coffee, or taking the time to write down a few things we’re grateful for can make a big difference in how we experience our days.
By starting with intentionally thanking God for the little things, it becomes easier to thank Him even in the storms.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
My encouragement to you this month is simple: seek gratitude.
Let Psalm 107:1 remind you of God’s steadfast love, follow Daniel’s example of giving thanks faithfully, and embrace Paul’s teaching to give thanks in all circumstances. A heart that practices gratitude is a heart that experiences God’s peace, joy, and presence more fully every day.
