What to be thankful for [3]

 God has blessed us, and we should be thankful for each blessing. Give thanks to God for the things you have. Most people are never satisfied with what they have - It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, healthy or sick. We must realise that everything we have has been given to us by God. David wrote “Wealth and honour come from you … We give you thanks and praise your glorious name … Everything comes from you” (1 Chron 29:12-14). Wealth doesn’t fill the emptiness in the heart. It is that Christ fills our life with meaning and purpose.
We should be grateful even if don’t have much, learn to be thankful for everything that God has given you. A heart of thankfulness makes all the difference. Most of us are constantly preoccupied with what we don’t have, forgetting to thank God for what we do have.  Thank God for the people in your life. It is very easy to take people for granted, to complain and become angry when they do not meet your every wish. When was the last time you gave thanks to God for those around you - children, spouses, relatives, friends and those who have helped you in some way?

Let others know that you appreciate them. My daughter often hugs me and says I love you, mummy, you are the best. I can’t begin to describe how happy I feel every time I hear those words. Learn to appreciate those around you, tell them how much they mean to you and praise God for them.
Thank God in the midst of trials and persecution. The bible encourages us to thank God even in suffering because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. God knows the trials you may be facing right now, He loves you and is with you in that situation. Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness even in trials and heartaches.

Thank God especially for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. He died on the cross and rose again so that we can know Him personally and spend eternity with Him in heaven. God loves you and wants you to be part of His family forever. All you need to do is reach out in faith and accept Christ as our Saviour and Lord: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).