If You Need a Few Reasons to be Grateful...

Yesterday we covered this powerful verse. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

We talked about how the Bible says to give thanks in all circumstances—not for all circumstances. There’s a big difference! You don’t have to be thankful for the bad things that happen in your life. We don’t thank God for evil or pain, but we can thank Him in the midst of it.

Gratitude is not denial; it’s declaring that even when life is hard, God is still good and still at work.

There’s countless reasons we can choose to be thankful in all circumstances. Here are a few…

Because we know God is in control.

We know He can bring good out of evil.

We know that life on Earth isn’t the end of our story.

And we know that no matter what happens, God will never stop loving us.

Those four truths alone can anchor your heart in gratitude—but there are hundreds more reasons to give thanks!

If you’re feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, make a list of 50 things you’re grateful for. It may feel simple, but it’s powerful. Gratitude shifts your focus from your problems to God’s presence. It reminds you of His goodness and faithfulness, right here and now.

This isn’t the “manifestation” trend or just positive thinking. Gratitude isn’t about changing your circumstances—it’s about worshiping the One who never changes. When you give thanks, you invite God to change you. The peace and joy He gives often come long before your situation improves.

You can even apply this to your relationships. In your marriage, make a list of things you appreciate about your spouse. It could literally transform your relationship. When you start looking for the good, you’ll begin to see your marriage—and your partner—with new eyes. Your heart will soften, and that shift will begin to change the atmosphere of your home.

And what if you don’t feel grateful? Good news—gratitude isn’t a feeling; it’s an action. You can choose to give thanks, and your feelings will eventually follow. You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can control your response. Gratitude is a choice—and that choice can change everything.

As we move through November, we’re setting aside time to do exactly that—to thank God for His faithfulness to our church family. I invite you to join us this Sunday at 9 or 10:45 a.m. for Part 1 of our Stones of Remembrance service. Together, we’ll celebrate the miracles and moves of God that have shaped the story of Seminole Church. Let’s give thanks—because He’s not done writing that story yet.