What Does the Bible Say About Being Thankful?
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What the Bible Says About Thankfulness
It notes many things, but what does the Bible say about being thankful? Have you ever considered which verses include gratitude to God or pertain to a Christian’s thankfulness?
During this time of thanksgiving, but all year too, let’s dig in deep and take a look at what the Bible says about thankfulness.
How Can I be Thankful to God
Thankfulness begins with intentionality. But let’s be honest, it’s easy to rush on with the day-to-day grind, leaving gratitude and our offering somewhere behind. Being thankful to God is important, however, and we should include it in our daily lives.
David offered praise and thanksgiving. After Gabriel spoke the words of promise to Mary, she offered praise sprinkled with gratitude. So did Hannah and the leper. In both the Old and New Testament, we see intentional decisions to offer thanks to God, setting a grand example for us to follow.
Here’s How I Offer Thanks
- I started listing my thanksgiving on daily tasks sheets. Find free links to these two faith-focused daily to-do lists in the Subscriber Library. Subscribers can check in the latest “Insider” monthly newsletter for the password. If you’re not a subscriber, sign up here and the password will arrive in the series of welcome emails. (Be sure to check spam if you don’t see it in your inbox.)
- God also grabbed my attention one day when I didn’t feel like offering thanksgiving. He prompted me to start giving thanks backwards. Sounds a little off-beat, but it’s powerful–and easy. Read more here.
Why is Being Thankful to God Important
It’s in the Bible. That’s a start. Anytime I see topics in the Word, I perk up. How about you?
If we study the lives of those in the Bible who offer thanks to God, we find that some magnificent things happened. Consider that you and I, generations later, read about and glean from their offering. God likes our offerings of thanks and prompts us to do so in His Word.
Psalm 100:4 tells us that we enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts. That is, we approach the Almighty and come into His presence, with thanksgiving playing a vital role. Find out more about this verse in the Treasury of David or by comparing the verse in these versions. (I found The Message to be especially interesting.)
Other Posts on Thanksgiving and Being Thankful You Might Enjoy
Bible Verses About Thanksgiving and Gratitude
Here are five Bible verses centering on both thanksgiving and gratitude.
- Colossians 3:15 ESV
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” - 1 Chron. 16:34 ESV
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” - Psalm 69:30 ESV
“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” - Psalm 100:4 ESV
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” - Psalm 9:1 ESV
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
Bible Verses About Being Thankful for the Little Things
God often uses little things in mighty ways. Consider what happens when we offer thanks for them. Here are three Bible verses to study, memorize, and hold close to the heart.
- Phil. 4:6 ESV
“[D]o not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - 1 Thes. 5:18 ESV
“[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - Col. 3:17 ESV
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Resources and Gift Ideas for Being Thankful and Showing Gratitude
Sometimes it helps to have a few resources on hand for our study or use. Below are items to use for self or as gifts.
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The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude By Joyce Meyer |
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Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy By Nancy Leigh DeMoss |
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In Everything Give Thanks: Three-Year Keepsake Gratitude Journal By Rebecca Currington |
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A Thankful Heart Is a Happy Heart: Gratitude Journal for Kids By Crystal Paine |
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Ceramic Mug-Handwarmer-Warm The Heart-Thankful |
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Thankful and Blessed Jute Hanging Decor |
I’m Thankful for You: A Special Offer
As we wrap up this post on “What Does the Bible Say About Being Thankful”, please know I appreciate you, friend. For every subscriber and reader here at KristiWoods.net, I thank God. Because your life matters and this journey together is a good and God thing.
Sale on Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study
As a thank you, I’m offering this special price on Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study. It’s normally $6.99 but lists at $5.50 from now until Dec. 4. It’s a wonderful stocking stuffer, a faith-filled last-minute gift, a Christian option for gift-giving across the miles, and a great way to dig into God’s Word at the start of the new year. Don’t miss it! Buy your copy and save before Dec. 4.
Available Now
If you’re looking for a physical book to give this Christmas or one for yourself, consider these devotionals from Wholly Loved Ministries. You’ll find them on this “Published Here” page, under the “Non-fiction” heading. Both are available from Amazon. (I’m honored to have pieces in both devos.)
Other Interesting Reads & Reading Plans
Reading Plans
Check out Wholly Loved’s new reading plan on Bible.com. It’s just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Find it also in the YouVersion app.
Online Reading Pieces
These freelance pieces published recently. Thought you might enjoy them. 🙂
- 10 Beautiful Psalms for Healing to Read and Pray Over
- How Can Christians “Seek First the Kingdom of God”?
It’s been a joy, friend. I hope this post helps you investigate God’s Word, to answer the question of What does the Bible say about being thankful?
You have some great Scriptures here, my friend! Thanks for so many ideas here.
It’s amazing how many “thankful” verses are in the Bible, isn’t it, Betsy? You are very generous with thanksgiving, my friend. That’s just one beautiful thing about you. Praise God.
Yes we do need to be thankful. When we thank God we acknowledge Him for what He has done. Thanks for sharing.
Amen, Bisi.
I love looking back on my day and keeping a record of all that I’m thankful for, big and small. Thanks for these great resources!
That’s powerful, Sarah. Very powerful. And you’re welcome for the resources. Thanks for popping in.
Thanks for sharing this! It’s so important to give thanks to God!
Indeed, thanks is very important. Thanks, Shante! (I’m so sorry, but I’m not sure how to make the accent on my keyboard.)
There is power in a heart humbly bent toward thankfulness in Christ. I love how choosing to speak thank-you’s to God transforms my attitude in life. Thank “YOU” for wise counsel, Kristi.
I imagine He cherishes those thank-yous you speak, too, Charla. <3