Cultivating an Attitude of Thankfulness

Cultivating an Attitude of Thankfulness

In today’s culture of “I want it now!” it can be difficult to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. Whether in our homes, or in our roles outside of them, thankfulness is not something that comes easily for our sinful human nature. However, there are certainly ways to combat the ungrateful attitudes that seem to be prevalent in today’s culture – and at times – our own hearts. Below are some practical suggestions to get you on your way to having a grateful heart!

Create a list of scriptures that help remind you of what God has done for you. Some of the ones that help me are: Psalm 34:1, Psalm 107:1, Colossians 3:15, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 12:28. There are countless other scriptures that encourage me in this area, but these are some that I have had memorized for over a decade that really help me to be thankful.

Everyday create a time where the family can sit together and talk about one thing they you are each thankful for. This creates a wonderful way to help your children {and ourselves} overcome the temptation to begin or end their day on a negative note, but rather, find something to give thanks for each day. In our family because my husband works so many hours – we try to fit it in wherever we can. But by default, even if daddy is not home to eat dinner or tuck the children in, we always name what we are thankful for each night at dinner and again at bedtime. It has proven to be a great way to offset any difficult issues we have faced that day.

Choose to be intentional about creating a thankful heart, it will change your life. While all of the suggestions above are a recipe for success, without you committing to intentionally choose to be thankful, it will fail.

Create a daily {or weekly} list of things you are thankful for, but have been taking for granted. We all have things that we are thankful for but sometimes take for granted. By creating this list, it gives you a tangible way to recognize some areas that you need to work on. I have found this simple but easy tool to be a huge success in my own life.

Touch and agree with your family members and prayer partners thanking God for having a grateful heart. As we know, there is nothing stronger than the power of prayer when believers unite on one accord. I assure you, that if you trust and believe the promises of God’s Word: You will see miraculous results.

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
{Matthew 18:19}

I am praying with you and for you that we will all continue to cultivate gratitude in our hearts towards God and all that he has blessed us with. I am confident that if we choose to believe God and take actions like the ones listed above, we will see amazing results!

A great resource that I would highly recommend if you are struggling with being thankful, is the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I really doubt, that after reading this book, one could not be thankful. And even if you are already thankful, if you have not picked up a copy of this book, I would absolutely challenge you to do so – and watch the gratitude in your heart go up to new heights!