Seeking Gratitude: Four Ways to be Truly Thankful

Being thankful at all times has many benefits. According to Harvard Medical School, giving thanks can make us happier, even when we are going through a tough season. Research has shown that saying thank you to others makes them more motivated. Gratitude also has a positive effect on our mental well being. In short, when we are thankful, it makes life better for ourselves and those around us.

How then do we remain truly thankful when times are tough?

1. Look up to God

God has given us a lot to be thankful for, even in difficult moments. He gives us breath each morning, and He keeps us alive. The Bible says that His mercies are new every morning. God protects us from many unseen things. Even simple routines, like driving to the mall, school, or work are surrounded by God’s mercy. He allows us to travel safely, gives us strength in our bodies to work and play, and helps our minds to think and plan.

At times, we are not mindful of the gifts and protection that God gives us. Making an effort to recognize these daily can help us to be truly thankful.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails. They are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23

2. Remember the good you have seen in your past

Life comes in seasons. There are tough seasons, and then there are easier ones filled with moments of happiness. If we look hard enough, we will find something good that has happened to us.

It can be a simple thing.

I remember once I was rushing to get out of a mall. I needed to pay for my parking, and my phone was not working. The automatic pay station rejected the only cash I had. So there I was, stranded, late, and frustrated. Then a stranger stepped up and paid for my parking. Just like that. Then he smiled and walked away. Moments like those make one really thankful.

Look for those small and big moments where something good has happened to you. It will make your heart a little lighter.

3. Consider the future possibilities

One of my favorite passages in Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11. In this letter penned by Jeremiah, God told the Israelites that He had a good plan for them. God had something better planned for them after that season of captivity.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

This verse is a reminder that God always has better planned. The future is brimming with possibilities because God is in charge. Because God had a plan for my life from the start, I can rest knowing that my future is secure. When we let God lead us, we can be sure that we have a hope and a future. We can thank Him in advance for that hope and future.

4. Bring joy to others

Like a yawn, joy is contagious. Being around joyful people increases our joy and happiness. We can create pockets of joy by being kind and giving to others. Even when we do not have things to give, we can give our time. Volunteering to help the less fortunate can help us to remember and be grateful for what we do have.

When we help and support others, we find one more reason to be thankful. Instead of focusing on what we do not have, we start to appreciate what we have as we serve others.

What are you thankful for today?