As we enter a time of year that bends our hearts to be especially thankful, it seems to be a natural response. It’s easy to thank God this time of year, almost as if it is to be expected.
Gathering around a table spread with a lavish feast invites us to dish out our gratitude as we dish out a hearty helping of potatoes at the same time.
But, what about when times are strained when we face challenges, or on the flip side, when the Father has provided for you, or so graciously answered a prayer, but you still carry a heavy heart? Is there still a sweet space to pause to extend our sincerest thanks?
The truth is, yes! God is good, all of the time, and He is so worthy of our thanks and praise. Even more, we are called to be thankful in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
However, between parenting, busyness, and getting wrapped up in everyday life, we often fail to see and recognize all the little details that God is orchestrating behind the scenes of our lives.
Maybe, like me, you feel that a heart of gratitude comes more easily this time of year, but you also feel a heavy weight of grief or sorrow at the same time. Or maybe you are so grateful and full of thanks that a simple, “thank you,” doesn’t seem to be nearly enough to offer God.
Well, my friend, when we need a clearer image of what God expects from us, we need not look any further than the pages of His beautiful Word.
Want to know what a true heart of thankfulness looks like? Let’s meet (or get re-acquainted) with some inspiring characters in the Bible who put their heart of thankfulness on full display and see what we can learn from their stories.
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1. King David
King David is a well-known main character who is weaved throughout much of the Old Testament. Despite his glaring flaws, he was still portrayed as a man after God’s own heart.
Due to his humility and full submission to God, David was portrayed as faithful, seeking after the character of God, including His mercy, grace, and justice.
Much of the Psalms paints a beautiful imagery of David’s raw and emotional heart as he turns to God in every aspect of his life.
Though he faced many challenges, some being a consequence of his own sin, as many tragic events plagued his family, David was not one to turn from God. Rather, it caused him to seek God’s face and fall before Him in worship, thanks, and praise.
Three ways David teaches us to be thankful are:
- David recognizes God’s authority (2 Samuel 7:18-29).
- David fully trusts God (Psalm 56).
- David humbled himself (1 Chronicles 17:16-19).
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2. Daniel
Daniel is well-known for a few things. First being an obedient and faithful man of God. But he was also the man who distinguished the dreams of several kings.
Many of them faced the harsh consequences of their arrogance and vanity, therefore, causing them to humble themselves before God.
We see this happen again in Daniel 6 when a degree is passed to worship the king as God. Of course, Daniel refuses and continues to openly pray three times a day. Well, as the infamous story goes, he is sentenced to death and thrown in a lion’s den.
However, we know how the story ends. His faithfulness brought about his deliverance from that dreadful den. Praise God!
Daniel’s visions in later chapters show that God uses him to give a glimpse into the future. While there is much debate as to what these visions of Daniel mean, Daniel gives us hope and encourages us to live boldly, giving thanks to God in every circumstance.
Three ways Daniel teaches us to be thankful are:
- Daniel showed his faith openly (Daniel 6:10).
- Daniel used prayer as his weapon of choice (Daniel 9).
- Daniel was not fearful (Daniel 1o:12-14).
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3. Paul
Paul’s story is such an interesting one and a rather bold one at that. Having contributed to nearly half of the New Testament, we see this most glorious transformation, giving us all hope that we, too, can be a zealous Christian.
After his encounter on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-4), Paul led a cavalry to spread the teachings of Jesus in the first-century world. Paul sets the stage and gives us a play-by-play on how we are to always give thanks to our God in every circumstance.
We see him live that out as well with the many trials he faced, from being beaten and stoned, to suffering three shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:25), to landing in prison, where he rejoices, sings praises, and prays so loud that it breaks down the doors and loosen the chains (Acts 16:25-26).
Three ways the Apostle Paul teaches us to be thankful are:
- Paul did not define himself by his brutal past (Acts 8:1-3).
- Paul answered the call of God and lived it out boldly (Galatians 1:11-2:21).
- Paul thanked God in every circumstance, especially the hard times (Acts 16:25-26).
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4. Jonah
The prophet whom God called to go speak to the corrupt city of Nineveh decided to run away instead. Jonah allowed fear and bitterness to take root in his heart.
So, the end result — he got swallowed by a fish! It’s a story we easily share with our children and speaks to the heart of how obeying God is so important.
Yet, while we tend to see this rebellious prophet as the one who didn’t listen to God and chose to harbor resentment towards his enemies, it invites us to shift our focus.
When we place our sights on our God in this story, it gives us a chance to truly thank our God for loving us so much, in spite of our tendencies to quickly misjudge people.
Three ways the story of Jonah teaches us to be thankful are:
- God’s plan always has a unique purpose (Jonah 1:1-2).
- We can praise Him for His provision and care (Jonah 4:6).
- Jonah thanks God for His infinite love, mercy, and grace (Jonah 2).
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5. Miriam
Miriam is widely known for her role in saving her baby brother, Moses, by leading him to the Nile River. But, later on, she became known as “Miriam the prophetess.”
After the Israelites were led out of Egypt, we see Miriam encourage the women to join her in praising the Lord for His deliverance.
It is said in Exodus, that she took to her tambourine and went on to dance and sing, giving glory to God (Exodus 15:1-8)
Unfortunately, like many of the Israelites, she grew impatient, frustrated, and resentful of the fact that Moses was in charge.
Due to her complaints, God struck her with leprosy. This consequence shows that our gratitude should not be contingent on our circumstances.
Even still, we can learn from Miriam and her story. Miriam showed great courage, strived to be a good leader, and used her gift of song and dance to glorify God.
Three ways Miriam teaches us to be thankful are:
1. Miriam shared the good news of God with others (Exodus 15:20).
2. Miriam gave thanks with her song and dance (Exodus 15:21).
3. Miriam had faith and trusted God (Exodus 2:3-4).
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6. Mary
Mary, the mother of Jesus. What a prime and beautiful example of humility, graciousness, strength, purity, and faithfulness. Mary demonstrates a heart that yearns to be one with the Father, relying solely on His will, and seeking to honor Him.
There are so many things we can glean from her beautiful story, but we will focus on how she positions her heart with grace and gratitude.
Mary is a lovely image and model of what thankfulness looks like. A young girl, who must have been frightened upon first hearing of her “unexpected pregnancy” responds with, “I am willing to be used by the Lord” (Luke 1:38). Her submission and obedience are awe-inspiring.
Not only that but all the odds were totally stacked against her! She could have been executed for her unsightly pregnancy, yet she trusted God and His timing.
Trudging through rugged terrain on the way to Bethlehem, while “being with child,” must have caused her great stress, yet she knew there was a bigger plan.
Her labor and delivery came with quite a few challenges, but she held fast to God’s promise and surrendered all.
Three ways Mary teaches us to be thankful are:
- Mary has a willing heart to say, “Yes!” (Luke 1:38).
- Mary trusted God wholeheartedly (Luke 1:30).
- Mary prays with recognition of God’s greatness (Luke 1:45-55).
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7. Jesus
Jesus, the Son of God. His story is the heartbeat of The Word. A story that captures the real meaning of love, enveloping it in sweet mercy and grace, all the while, extending hope and issuing forgiveness. His birth changed the course of history, and His death was a fulfillment of prophecy.
The gospels paint a beautiful picture of the life Jesus lived. Jesus' main mission was to bring people to the most rewarding relationship they would ever know.
He spends His years walking this earth with the intent of serving others, saving the lost, and redeeming the world with His sacrificial death upon that rugged dogwood cross.
Jesus was the epitome of a gracious and grateful heart. His actions show him giving thanks to the Father on several occasions. Jesus is basically laying out for us the importance of giving thanks to a good and faithful Father.
We see Jesus give thanks for the works of the God Almighty’s hand (Matthew 11:25-27). Jesus gives thanks to the Father for His provision after feeding a crowd of people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish (Matthew 15:36).
Jesus says His prayers were heard after the death of His beloved friend Lazarus (John 11:41-43). And we also see Jesus give thanks during the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20).
Jesus was (and is) the One we all strive to be more like, and we strive to follow Him and His beautiful example.
Three ways Jesus teaches us to be thankful are:
- Jesus shows us that the posture of our hearts matters to God (Matthew 22:37).
- Jesus’ example helps us realize that we should give thanks to God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
- Jesus models a prayer of thanks to our Father (Matthew 6:9-13).
There are also so many other beautiful depictions in the Bible that show thoughtful prayers revolving around being intentionally thankful.
May this be a springboard for you to dig into His Word and discover more about each of the characters above, and maybe learn about others who provide ways to be more thankful.
As you enter this lovely time of year, no matter what weighs on your heart, may you come to realize that giving thanks to God begins with recognizing Who He is by placing our sights on Him and His rich goodness and abundant faithfulness! He is so worthy of all our thanks and praise!
For further reading:
What Is the Significance of David and Psalm 51?
What Is the Significance of Daniel in the Lion’s Den?
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Originally published Wednesday, 25 October 2023.