Gratitude. Is there more to it than just being thankful? While the words thankful and gratitude often get used interchangeably, there is a slight difference.
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, the question, “What are you thankful for?” may be just about as common as “Will you pass the pumpkin pie?”
Yet, as we once again gather with family and friends around our dining room tables, sharing why we are thankful.
What Does Gratitude Actually Look Like to God?
“Thank you.” These two words imply we are indeed thankful. After all, it’s the polite thing to say when we want to acknowledge when someone has done something gracious or kind.
That being said, is saying “Thank You” to God enough?
Where thankfulness is a decent verbal response, gratitude, on the other hand, goes a little deeper than words, as it motivates us to take action, expressing sincere appreciation. It recognizes our current bounty of blessings but notices the small and maybe inconvenient blessings as well.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
Being thankful is merely a springboard to gratitude. When we are truly thankful, praise and good deeds will commonly follow. This is the thankfulness, which God seeks from us. To be thankful and show our gratitude for all things.
But unfortunately, our humanity gets in the way. Sometimes we may speak thanks, but gratitude gets stolen from our faulty and fleshly bodies (Psalm 73:26). Feelings of frustration, comparison, sadness, or complacency steal the joy that blooms thankfulness, henceforth wilting gratitude.
For instance, we may easily share what we are thankful for but then inwardly grumble that we have to sit next to the relative that made a totally inappropriate comment.
Maybe we smile as others share their thankful sentiments but grow frustrated as the kids kick and pester one another under the table. Or maybe there is a hidden wave of grief that whelps up, causing thankfulness to get covered by a heavy blanket of resurfaced or deep-seated pain.
This holiday, as beautiful as it is, can surely conjure up a wide range of emotions, from thankfulness to bitterness. Seeking the joy that leads to thankfulness and gratitude can easily get lost in the shuffle of prepping, hosting, traveling, trying to entertain, cooking, cleaning, and on and on.
All this pressure to be happy and thankful when all you want to do is just cozy up alone with your sweatpants, and that second slice of apple pie can, unfortunately, bring on tinges of guilt and ingratitude.
Before you know it, you feel distant…from God. That’s because happiness and empty thankful words aren’t what God seeks from us.
Oh, friend, let me say this — cultivating a heart of gratitude isn’t easy. Especially when the words are easy to say, but the actions that follow can be ever so difficult.
Gratitude takes effort. It takes time. It takes obedience. That’s because it’s a spiritual disciple. We must tend to it and water it in order for it to grow.
Thanking God for our blessings is merely a starting point. Practicing gratitude — that’s where joy (not circumstantial happiness) and gratitude (not “fake” thankfulness) truly lies. That’s where we connect with our Savior and get to know Him intimately.
God will never distance Himself from us, and He is always pursuing our hearts. Yet, we can easily push God away (sometimes unintentionally) when we fail to see how He is moving in and through our lives.
So, how do we turn our happiness into peace and joy and our words of thankfulness into actions of gratitude?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Rejoice and Praise Him
Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Paul knew a little something rejoicing, especially in the trials and tribulations.
He knew a little something about how our circumstances can dictate our feelings, ultimately sabotaging our joy. He knew that unforgiveness and bitterness can cause grave damage to our hearts and souls, leading to a tainted relationship with God.
As believers, we need to understand that rejoicing in the Lord isn’t a suggestion; it is a command. We are to rejoice by trusting God with our lives and letting Him lead and guide us in each and every aspect of it.
Psalm 19 tells us that joy isn’t found in the circumstances; it’s found in knowing that God’s way is the right way, then leaning in and abiding in Him.
When we align our hearts to God’s will, we may not always be happy about our situation, and challenges may arise, but we can fully trust that God is in control. Trusting His plan, no matter how painful, allows us to experience the joy that comes over us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
So, what does “rejoicing always” look like? It’s a choice to be obedient, plain and simple.
- Rejoice always is digging into His Word and seeking His ways.
- Rejoice always is worshipping Him in songs and praise.
- Rejoice always is dying to self and sacrificing our wants and needs for His will.
- Rejoice always is inviting God into our weaknesses, our struggles, our mess.
- Rejoices always is a daily surrender of our lives.
Pray with Purpose
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is our lifeline as Christians. As we go throughout our day, we are called to be in constant communication with our Father.
Jesus provides us with a beautiful example of this as He earnestly sought His Father time and time again throughout His earthly life.
The disciples eventually asked Jesus how to pray (Luke 11) as they yearned to be closer to God. The model prayer that Jesus lays out points out three key purposes of our prayers:
- When to pray: continually throughout our day
- Who we pray to: our holy and precious Abba Father in heaven
- What we pray: for the forgiveness of sins and temptations
Prayer is often noted as complex, but it is rather simple. God doesn’t need our lengthy and flowery words; He wants our hearts. He longs for a deep and meaningful relationship with us. All it takes is our willingness to put the excuses aside and rest in Him.
Give Thanks for the Simple Moments
Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Regardless of our situation, we can find ways to be thankful to God. Our hearts may be carrying heavy burdens, and we may be enduring tough times, but if we set our eyes on (and think upon) things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely, our perspective begins to change (Philippians 4:8). Henceforth, finding things to be thankful for.
We currently live in a society where we are constantly bombarded by images and news that go against God’s will and a way for our lives. The world is lost and broken. If we aren’t in tune with our Creator, we will slip into sinful patterns.
Yet, we can set our eyes on what is true by digging into His Word daily. We can let those beautiful words be our guide and prompt us to give thanks for all the good God is doing in our lives.
Maybe this Thanksgiving, you start a new tradition to meet with Jesus in comfy sweatpants, a slice of pumpkin pie, and an open heart. Maybe you start a gratitude journal or spread the love of Jesus with a new neighbor. Maybe you shift your focus on things that are pure and holy and be more intentional about what you read and watch.
When you make room for Him in those simple moments, you find that your heart not only becomes full of thanks but longs to show gratitude. How sweet is that?
May your Thanksgiving be filled with unsurmountable joy, thoughtful thankfulness, and an extra helping of gracious gratitude.
For further reading:
25 Thanksgiving Prayers & Family Blessings of Gratitude
3 Reasons to Give Thanks to God
Can We Really Give Thanks in All Things Like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Says?
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