The act of being thankful shifts our focus away from problems and toward God’s purpose and provision.  

The Holocaust prison camp, with its terrifying and inhumane treatment of victims, may seem like the least likely place to feel grateful. In the midst of the darkest abyss, where hope seemed like a distant memory, Corrie ten Boom discovered a glimmer of light through a seemingly insignificant blessing. Despite enduring the hardships of a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom was grateful for the fleas in her barracks as they provided her and her sister the opportunity to hold Bible studies without interruption from cruel SS guards. 

"Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings. It’s something we make inside ourselves." - Corrie ten Boom.

Despite dying in the camp, Betsie’s unwavering faith and thankfulness left a lasting impact on Corrie, who later shared their story with the world. In spite of the grim circumstances, gratitude posed a threat to despair and hopelessness. Corrie says, “I have experienced His presence I in the deepest hell that man can create. I have really tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them. She proved it true: 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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It may seem heart-wrenching to express gratitude when faced with the loss of a spouse, the death of a child, enduring cancer treatments, or going through a vicious divorce. God’s remedy, “in all things give thanks,” changes the outlook. Melody Beattie says, 

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.” 

Jesus, in the story of feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14), demonstrated gratitude by giving thanks before the miracle, trusting in God’s abundance despite limited resources.

The admonition from Philippians 4:6, which promises peace in trials and tests, says, 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

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A grateful heart signifies spiritual maturity and the ability to see God’s grace in every circumstance. Being thankful promises inner peace in the midst of life’s storms. 

John O’Leary, a 9-year-old boy, had burns covering his body and little chance of survival. Even with intense pain and surgeries, his mother’s encouragement to appreciate small things like wiggling his fingers or taking a deep breath, as well as the love of his family, was a turning point. Amidst the flames of despair, John’s heart became a sanctuary of gratitude that nurtured his spirit, allowing him to rise from the ashes with newfound strength and resilience. 

Being thankful is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, as stated in the following quote: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

Being thankful strengthens the bond with God, ignites faith in difficult times, and fills the heart with trust in God’s plan and purpose.

Developing a mindset of gratitude necessitates consistent practice. Once we realize that God has given us everything, even our breath, we can refocus our thoughts and nurture a thankful spirit. 

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5 Ways to Increase Gratitude

Everything, no matter how big or small, is a gift from God. Operating from self-sufficiency to God’s provision helps see life through a lens of grace rather than entitlement.

Scripture: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17).

Action: Each day, offer a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging God’s part in the blessings you encounter, including your physical and mental wellness, relationships, and even the difficulties that contribute to spiritual growth.

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Take a moment to appreciate your blessings and the abundance you possess rather than what is missing. A gratitude journal can help reinforce this habit. 

Scripture: “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Action: Finish each day by making a list of three things you are thankful for, regardless of how small they may seem. Gradually, this habit will alter your mind to actively pursue the positive.

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Cultivate a positive mindset by consciously transforming complaints into expressions of gratitude.

Scripture: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14)

Action: Next time you are tempted to complain, stop and consider one thing you’re grateful for. Instead of griping about work stress, express gratitude for the job that supports you.

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When you prioritize the needs of others, you help yourself appreciate your own blessings, increase your sense of thankfulness, and develop a more selfless attitude. 

Scripture: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Action: Cultivate a habit of giving, whether it’s through your time, resources, or uplifting others, and let each act of service be a reminder of how much you have to be thankful for.

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Instead of seeing difficulties as entirely negative, consider them as opportunities for personal development and reasons to be grateful. Trials have the potential to deepen faith and reliance on God’s grace.

Scripture: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3) and maturity. 

Action: In times of difficulty, make a conscious effort to ask yourself, “What lessons can I take away from this?” or “How is God growing me through this? Even in challenging times, this mindset allows for gratitude.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, gratitude grows and strengthens faith by embracing the challenges that shape who we are. 

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Matthew Henry, a renowned 18th-century Bible commentator, was a victim of robbery by thieves. In his journal, he wrote a response that was unexpectedly filled with gratitude.

“Let me be thankful, first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my wallet, they did not take my life; third, because although they took all I had, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” 

Thankfulness deepens our relationship with God, strengthens faith in hard times, and shows a thankful heart enlarged by God’s grace and provision - for our good (Romans 8:28). Being grateful shifts our focus from complaints to trust in God's purposes, helping us surrender our small, narrow view to His far-reaching, flawless plan (Isaiah 55:9). Corrie ten Boom says, 

“Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us. He promised great peace and pure joy to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things.”

Being thankful is a conscious choice to recognize that life itself is God’s gift. Choosing to “give thanks in all things” transforms how we face trials and tribulations. As children of God, held in the hands of the Almighty, we come to understand that it’s not the circumstances that define us but our outlook and trust in the One who orchestrates all things perfectly, no matter what the external situation may be.

Reflect with us on how to cultivate thankfulness and grow in gratitude. Comment and share your thoughts and testimony at Crosswalk Forums! Click HERE.

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