How To Be Thankful

Recommended Reading:  Psalm 100 – A Psalm of Thanksgiving

In a few days, here in the U.S., we will be celebrating our annual holiday called Thanksgiving.  For many it’s nothing more than a time to gather with family and/or friends and stuff their faces until they’re miserable.  Then they settle in for a nap or watch sports on the TV.  But for others, along with enjoying some great food, it’s also a time to sincerely think about and express thanks for the blessings in their lives.  We should all try to fall into that second group this year, because regardless of all the negative and troubling things going on around us, most of us are very blessed.  So today I chose to focus on How to be Thankful.

Let’s face it, there are times that being thankful can be very difficult.  We all face situations that create anxiety, sadness, turmoil.  When that happens it can hinder our ability to see, and remain thankful for the good all around us then our joy fades.

However, we need to stay mindful that there are blessings all around us, we need to train ourselves to look for those, regardless of what we are experiencing at the time.  “It’s finding good times even in bad times and rejoicing even in sorrow. It’s noticing the color of flowers, the shape of clouds, the smell of fresh bread, and the comfort of a soft pillow at night.” *

I believe thankfulness can be all about attitude.

Recently I have recalled and related to a couple of different people an experience from many years ago.  I had recently rediscovered the importance of my faith and my spirit was on fire wanting to know more.  I went to the local Christian book store and was drawn to a little paperback book titled Praise The Lord Anyway written by Frances Gardner Hunter.  On the cover under the title it says this: “A warm revelation of God’s simple truth:  Life’s rocky road can mean a never-ending trip of joy.” 

I took that book home and read through it in nothing flat.  Ms. Hunter writes in a style that is easy to read and understand, and she makes it more enjoyable by sprinkling humor in it.  The gist of this book was how it’s so easy to get upset with things going on around us – then she suggests that to avoid getting anxious or mad about circumstances, that we should just say “Praise The Lord Anyway!”  This attitude is a way to retain our joy. 

So, I decided to give it a try – and it wasn’t easy, believe me.  To stay aware and recognize when you’re  getting upset or angry is no small feat.  One area where I had a real issue was when I was driving, disapproving of how other people chose to drive.  If I’m being totally honest, I’d have to tell you that at times, words would come out of my mouth that were just wrong.  So, as I would get in my car to go somewhere, I started making myself stay very aware of my reactions to what others did or did not do.  Then, instead of getting irate I would just speak out loud – “Praise The Lord Anyway!”  You know what happened after a while of doing that regularly?  I didn’t get upset with others and I felt much more relaxed and happier.  I was expressing praise (thanks) to God regardless of the situation.  “Don’t use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are.”  (Ephesians 5:4 CEV)

Daily try to keep your mind and your eyes open to all the blessings around you.  “Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.”  (Colossians 4:2 MSG)  “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG)  Then when something happens to dampen that attitude of gratitude – just speak out “Praise The Lord Anyway!” 

I believe that is How To Be Thankful.

Written by Karran Martin – November 18, 2023

[All bold emphasis is mine]
*Quote from Dr. David Jeremiah