Next week we share a very special day of hopefully expressing our gratitude for all we have been given. This does not mean that we shouldn’t do this every day of our lives, but perhaps Thanksgiving reminds us we should. With that in mind, I recently read an article that shared the benefits of giving thanks. I wasn’t looking for reasons on how giving thanks could personally benefit me, but while doing my research for this blog, this article from Misfit Ministries popped up and intrigued me.

This piece shared five benefits and I will share them with you.

1. You’ll be happier as you express gratitude and reflect on God’s greatest gift, Jesus our Savior. Being thankful for all the material things in your life that make your existence easier, like clean, running water, clothes, food, and a dry, warm or cool house in which to live comfortably  make you happy. Giving thanks for our families who are a blessing in our lives bring joy as well.

2. Your love for God will grow. How can we not fall deeper in love with God when we consciously contemplate all the wonderful things He has given us and give thanks every day?

3. Your relationship with God will grow. The more you give thanks and are grateful for everything you have, the more time you will spend with God and your connection grows.

4. You’ll grow in humility. Thanksgiving causes you to realize that all the good gifts you have in your life come from God and not from yourself. Spending time remembering this can make you think less about yourself and more about God…humility at its core.

5. Trust more deeply in God. Having an “attitude of gratitude” (a relatively new catch phrase) will hopefully activate a greater trust in God. Remind yourself of all He has done for you and remember…He has never, nor will He ever abandon you.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

No one else can be thankful to God for you. You have to do it yourself. Have a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving, give thanks daily for all you have and most importantly, remember God loves you unconditionally. Thanks be to God!

Patty