The discussion on a popular sitcom was the annual gratitude list.
Every year at Thanksgiving, each family member made a list of things for which they were most grateful. Some called it “goofy,” but others viewed it as a vital part of the holiday.
While it’s good to give thanks on a day set apart for that very reason, God expects more from His children. His desire is for us to have a grateful heart—a heart full of thanks-giving and praise—24/7. Some call it an attitude of gratitude.
We’re told throughout the Scriptures to give thanks in every situation, never forgetting or taking for granted God’s benefits. Why? Because this is His will
David was a man after God’s own heart, yet he had to remind himself continually to be grateful. In Psalm 103, he says, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” Then he goes on to list those good things:
- He forgives all my sins.
- He heals all my diseases.
- He redeems me from death.
- He crowns me with love and tender mercies.
- He fills my life with good things.
- He renews my youth like the eagles.
Do you have a gratitude list? If not, you’re welcome to borrow David’s because it applies to every child of God. But don’t just use it one day a year. Make it a daily, moment-by-moment habit.
A heart full of gratitude and a mouth filled with praise and thanksgiving are what our Father desires—and what He deserves.
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Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and was a finalist for the 2016 Editor of the Year Award at BRMCWC and the 2018 Excellence in Editing award by the Christian Editors Network. Andrea is a graduate of Christian Communicators and was a finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards and the 2018 Selah Awards, as well as a semi-finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis contest. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues, teaches workshops on writing and editing, and is the co-founder and regular contributor to www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. Contact her at www.AndreaMerrell.com.