Gratitude is the key to success.
Education, money, and opportunities can only take a person so far. That’s why God has told us in His Word to “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He knew before science proved that grateful people experience a better life.
They enjoy lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. They have stronger relationships and marriages. They have higher productivity and a sense of satisfaction at work. Grateful people also enjoy better sleep and stronger immune systems.
And that’s only the beginning!
But as you likely know, gratitude is not natural. It takes practice!
There are so many reasons to become a thankful person. (See this list of scriptures about gratitude HERE)
If you’ve struggled to live in a continual state of gratitude, begin today with this list, in no particular order, of 25 reasons (of thousands) to be thankful and watch as your life transforms into something you’ve always dreamed of!
1. Salvation
If you are a born-again Christian, you have a good reason to be thankful every day that the blood of Jesus has saved you, and you are on your way to heaven!
2. A Home
It might be easy to take it for granted, but having a home is a HUGE blessing and something to be thankful for every day. A home provides shelter, comfort, safety, and a place to create memories. Today, be grateful for your home and praise God for providing one for you.
3. Family
Family can get messy sometimes. They can hurt or disappoint you. But those who work to be a blessing are a real joy to the heart. Focus today on being thankful for family members who stand by you through the good and challenging times. Be grateful that God has given you an even bigger family of believers to walk through life with and spur each other on to greatness.
4. Good Health
Even if you need healing in one area of your body, you can be thankful for good health in the rest of your body! Don’t ever take for granted your good health. So many would gratefully receive the health you enjoy.
5. Church
It is such a blessing and a joy to come together and worship. No church is perfect, but we should always be grateful for a church family and that we enjoy the right to gather freely.
6. Your Country
Even when things are not as they should be, we are still so blessed to live in this great country. Democracy, capitalism, and the right to vote are all things to be grateful for. God bless America! And thank you, Lord, for the privilege of calling this country home!
7. God’s Word
So many people live without the comfort and certainty we have in God’s Word. If you have a Bible, you are blessed to have the Word of God—His promises, instructions, blessings, and commands wrapped into one life-giving book. Be thankful that you have access to the Creator of heaven and earth every day.
8. God’s Creation
Beautiful green trees, fluffy white clouds, the bright blue sky, and shimmering stars in the night sky. There are so many reasons to be thankful for God’s creation. You can see Him in the mountains, the crashing ocean waves, the sunrises, and sunsets. All were created for our enjoyment.
9. Furry Friends
Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or any other cuddly pet brings so much joy to life. Be thankful for your furry friends. They can bring a smile to your face no matter how your day is going. They love you unconditionally, and they’re funny!
10. Good Food
God, in His goodness, created good food for our enjoyment. It’s incredible how much a good cup of coffee or a slice of decadent chocolate cake can enhance your day! It is a blessing to have access to nutritious food and even an occasional treat.
11. Holidays
Celebrations bring so much joy to life! The food, the decorations, the air of excitement are all things we look forward to throughout the year. Turkey dinner, pumpkin spice, Christmas cookies, Christmas lights, presents under the tree, and that warm feeling from family and friends.
12. Marriage
What a blessing marriage is! No, it isn’t easy. Yes, it takes a lot of work. But the rewards of enduring are unending. If you’ve been focusing on the flaws of your spouse lately, take some time today to write down a list of all the wonderful things about your husband or wife. Then, be sure to give it to them! It will remind you both why your relationship is so wonderful.
13. Children
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage of the Lord.” Jesus loved children for the same reason many of us do—they are innocent, full of faith, ready to believe the best about people and situations, and full of excitement and wonder. Children can change your perspective with one simple statement or a heartfelt giggle. The way they view the world is so positive and fresh. Today, let’s be thankful for children—not only our own children and grandchildren but all those we are blessed to have in the world.
14. The Boundless Potential of Our Teenagers
Raising teenagers can bring many challenges! But, oh, the possibilities that are in front of them. They are the future, and the opportunities in front of them are endless. Take some time to be thankful for your teenagers today. Be grateful that God has given you the grace to raise them, mold them, and encourage them as the move into adulthood.
15. A Job
Sometimes it’s easy to take what it means to have a job for granted. Grumbling or complaining about the demands, an unreasonable boss, or a lack of recognition can be tempting. But a job is a great blessing from the Lord. Next time you’re tempted to complain about your job, remember how many people are without one and struggling to provide for their families.
16. Forgiveness
What a wonderful gift it is to know that whenever we repent to the Lord for any sin—great or small—we are forgiven. God, in His goodness, sent Jesus to wash them away as if they never happened. It’s a good day to be thankful for forgiveness—today and every day—because, above all else, it sets us totally and completely free.
17. Peace that Passes Understanding
We have access to something most of the world doesn’t experience. Peace. Not just any peace, but a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). That means, when others are panicking, we’re relaxed and certain of our victory. What others fear doesn’t even faze us. That’s something to be thankful for!
18. Recreation
Hiking, kayaking, shopping, skiing, knitting, golfing, or anything else you enjoy is a real blessing of the Lord. It makes life fun!
19. Laughter
When was the last time you had a good laugh? Maybe it’s been too long! Laughter is not only fun, but it is proven to be good for your physical and mental health. It prevents disease and strengthens your spirit. Laughter really is good medicine! (Proverbs 17:22) Take some time to be thankful for laughter and work to incorporate more laughter into your life each day.
20. Wisdom
Wisdom is a game-changer. It makes sound decisions; it pleases God; it treats others well, it always seeks the truth, and it isn’t wise in its own eyes. In short, wisdom will give you great success in every area of life. But wisdom doesn’t just happen. God says He gives wisdom to those who ask for it (James 1:5). We can be thankful for wisdom because it is a rare treasure, indeed.
21. Love
Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can take on the toughest situation, and win! Love fuels our faith, covers sin, forgives, endures, triumphs, perseveres, heals, delivers, saves, and comforts. Love never fails. So be thankful for the love of God, the love of others, and the love we can express to others, too.
22. Friends
Good friends are such a blessing! They listen, make you laugh, encourage you when you’re down, and if they really love you, show you areas where you could improve. Walking through life with wise and caring friends makes you a better person and improves your health, too! If you haven’t thanked your friends for who they are in your life, today is the day! And be thankful to God for bringing them into your life.
23. New Opportunities
Every day is a new opportunity! Be thankful for every new opportunity in your life—a new friendship, a new job, a new place to serve, or a new chance to bless someone else.
24. Prayer
Talking to God is such a high privilege. Prayer is a comfort at any time, any day, and in any situation. Don’t make prayer a ritual or something to check off your to-do list. Be thankful that you can talk to God about anything and everything.
25. Who God Is
God is everything you will ever need in this life. He is your comforter, your healer, your deliverer, your defender, your strong tower, your corrector, your teacher, your very present help in time of need—to name only a few. God is a good God, and He calls you a friend. That’s something to be thankful for more than anything else you could ever have.
It’s time to be thankful! We hope this list of 25 reasons to be thankful will get you on your way to success! During this season, and every day, refuse to grumble and focus on being thankful; you will be happier, healthier, and on your way to the life you dream of!
