When times get tough it’s easy to stop being thankful. It’s easy to start thinking about the things we want instead of considering the things we already have.

Psalm 118:28-29

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Colossians 3:15 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

A few years ago I started a Gratitude Journal during the Lenten Season. Every day I wrote five things I was thankful for in the journal, but I could not repeat what I wrote on other days. The first few days it was easy to write  what I was thankful for, but after a few weeks, I really had to examine my heart, and ask God to show me my many blessings.

After Lent was over I continued this journal until Thanksgiving. Keeping the journal changed me. It changed the way I looked at my circumstances. I became a more thankful person.

As you experience the bounty of the Thanksgiving season, stop to remember that your blessings reach far beyond what you see. Things you don’t see, or even consider can have an enormous impact on your life. You might consider keeping a gratitude journal for a month, and see what happens.

Thank you Lord, for the countless blessings you have given us. Make us ever mindful of your graciousness. Thank you for the greatest gift of all, Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture: Biblestudytools.com

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