How to live every day with a heart of thanksgiving
We’ve all been through a lot this year. And as we approach the holiday season, the question “how to live every day with a heart of thanksgiving” is at the forefront of my mind.
Covid isn’t slowing down Christmas in the U.S. that’s right, Christmas decor is in full swing at the stores, in September. I don’t know about you but I’m not ready to think about Christmas yet. I want to enjoy what September brings.
Matter of fact I just want to focus on today. Because today is a gift. So cliche. But isn’t it though? Even in scripture, Jesus tells us “don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.” Matthew 6:34
Because tomorrow holds a lot of what-if’s. And when I’m thinking about tomorrow’s what-if’s, I’m just adding unnecessary weight to today.
So, rather than thinking about the outcome of the election, trying not to catch covid, e-learning & being discontent in a world that says I never have enough, can I just rest in Jesus?
This upcoming holiday season, I don’t want the added pressure of worrying about tomorrow. So, how do I cultivate thanksgiving and contentment for today?
Let’s look at the definition of thanksgiving: the expression of gratitude, especially to God.
and the definition of gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
You see, we can and we should live everyday with a heart of thanksgiving.
How to live every day with a heart of thanksgiving through worship
We can live a thankful life through worship. By taking our thoughts off of ourselves and focusing them on Jesus.
An attitude of the heart that is choosing to worship God in Spirit (Holy Spirit) and Truth (God’s Word) just as the scripture says:
“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
What is worship?
Worship definition: the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity “the worship of God”
When many of us think of worship, we imagine being at church with our hands lifted high while the band plays worship music. If there’s one thing I love, it’s blaring worship music throughout my house and getting lost in thought about Jesus.
But there are many more ways to worship God 🙌
How we live our lives is an act of worship to God.
Like James who said “I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18) Works of faith are our external actions in contrast to the transition that is occurring within us because of our faith.
Let me be clear, our works do not save us. We have been saved by grace (a gift that we don’t have to work for) through faith in Jesus.
So by faith, I walk in the confidence of Jesus and my faith is visible. Since God gave us the ultimate gift of salvation, we as believers owe God the ultimate gift of thanksgiving.
No matter the circumstances we are facing today, no matter what’s going on in the world around us – in preparation of the upcoming holiday season, let’s focus on our faith through worship because we trust a loving God.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
Will you join me in preparing our hearts for a life of thanksgiving to a deserving God? Click on the link below and let’s commit to 30 straight days of habitual thanksgiving.
30 days of growing a heart of thanksgiving printable.
The idea is to focus on one act of thanksgiving each day for 30 consecutive days. Let us gain new perspective in life so we can form habit on how to live every day with a heart of thanksgiving.
11 bible verses about thanksgiving
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-20
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
A heart of thanksgiving gives us peace and living in peace gives us thanksgiving.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And 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 3:15-17
“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
“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart and tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
Before you go, you may be interested in the following posts:
Digging deeper into the Serenity Prayer
3 reasons why we should treat our body as a temple
Thanks for reading, I appreciate your time spent here. Can you help me continue to spread this message about thanksgiving by sharing it down below?
What are your thoughts on how to live every day with a heart of thanksgiving? Did you see the printable and are you committing to 30 days of growing a heart of thanksgiving?
Please take a moment to leave a comment below; I love hearing from you!
