4 Ways to Cultivate A Thankful Attitude
by Lynette Kittle
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Are there times in your life when because of your circumstances, you don’t feel like there is any reason to give thanks?
If so, you’re not alone, especially in a culture of comparisons and one-upmanship. Many people measure their success by their wealth, jobs, popularity, and possessions.
Yet Scripture explains how it is God’s will for you to be thankful in all circumstances, which means learning to be grateful despite your situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
So if you’re having trouble finding reasons to give thanks but want to follow God’s will for you life, how do you go about changing your outlook?
Below are four ways to cultivate a thankful attitude.
1. Present your concerns to God. Instead of focusing on where your present situation, Philippians 4:6 explains, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Instead of feeling stuck in your circumstances, turn to God and let go of the things weighing you down. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
2. Auto-correct your speech. Take time to listen to what you are saying. If you don’t like what you hear, revise your words. Ephesians 5:4 states, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
Choose to speak words of life rather than trying to mesh in with society’s standard of speech. When negative, sarcastic, or critical words come to mind to say or write, replace them with words of gratefulness.
3. Let God be your means of contentment, not your surroundings. Although the Apostle Paul spent much time in prison, because of his relationship with God, he learned to be content in whatever his circumstance (Philippians 4:11).
Like Paul, look to find your contentment in the faithfulness of God rather than your standing in society. As stated in Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
4. Live your life for God. Rather than focusing on you, decide to serve God in what you say and do. As Colossians 3:17 encourages, “And whatever you do, whether in words or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
As you seek to serve God, set your mind to seek Him as you go about your day. When you do, your outlook will be transformed. Although it will take time, effort, and consistency to redirect your attitude to be grateful in all situations, it will be worth it.
Reflect on today’s verse with us. Share your thoughts in the Your Daily Bible Verse discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/FG Trade
Related Resource: Praying Through Psalms 60: Victory in Hopeless Ground
What do you do when the battlefield stretches in every direction, and it looks like God Himself brought the defeat?
Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 60 — a raw, honest lament born out of being surrounded on all sides, where David dares to say You did this, God — and still picks up the banner and calls Him Lord.
Jaime unpacks the historical backdrop of David fighting enemies to the north, east, and south all at once, and shares a breathtaking story from her years near Death Valley — where barren, salt-crusted flats that look permanently dead suddenly erupted into a once-in-a-century bloom of purple wildflowers. Sometimes the victory is already buried right beneath the most hopeless-looking ground, waiting for God's rain to bring it to life. If this episode helps you navigate life with prayer and intention, be sure to follow Praying Christian Women on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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