GratefulSample

Sometimes being thankful is tough. It's really hard work to think of reasons why we're thankful. It doesn't matter how old we are, or how long we've been a follower of Jesus. Sometimes life hits us hard, and the process of being thankful is ongoing.

Thankfully 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 provides us with ways to be thankful in our toughest moments. First, we're reminded to "rejoice always." What in the world does that even mean? Are we supposed to walk around doing nothing but singing songs at the top of our lungs wherever we go? To "rejoice" means to feel joy when we think of God.

Next we're reminded that if we're going to be thankful, we have to protect our prayer life. Let's be honest. Praying can feel super awkward and pointless at times. But making prayer a habit is essential, if we're going to have a thankful heart.

Finally we should be able to be thankful in all of life's circumstances. In the good and the bad, we're challenged to be thankful for who God is and what God's doing in and through our lives.

Take a moment to think of something you haven't expressed gratitude for, and spend some time talking to God about it.