Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.
–James 1:17
How can you develop an attitude of gratitude? I recommend writing a list of God’s blessings in your life. Let me give you five ideas to prompt your thinking:
Material blessings–In 1 Timothy 6:7–8, Paul said, “We have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” Paul was saying if you have food on the table and a place to sleep, you ought to be content; anything beyond that is gravy. Thank God for His material blessings.
Church–Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Every time you enter your church, thank God for providing a place of worship and fellowship with other Christians.
Answered prayer–Philippians 4:6 says, “Tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers” (TLB). How easy it is to pray for our needs without stopping to thank God for what He’s already done. That’s one reason I keep a prayer journal. When I look back over my requests, many times I am more thankful for the “no” answers than the “yes” answers. Before you ask God to do something else, thank Him for answered prayer.
Problems–James 1:2–3 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Joy is a calm assurance that no matter what happens, God is still in control. The Bible says you can rejoice and thank God in difficult circumstances because you’re confident that He’s still working out His plan for you.
Salvation–Romans 5:6, 8 says, “While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. . . . But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus didn’t die for you because you’re a wonderful person. No, the only reason He offers you forgiveness is that He loves you. Reflect on what your life would be like without Christ, and thank God for leading you to faith in Christ.
Once you’ve completed your list, ask yourself, Which of these good things is not ultimately a gift? James 1:17 says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.” When you think about it, everything you have ultimately comes from God.
