Currently, I’m participating in a “Thirty Days of Being Grateful” on Instagram. Yeah, I know, it’s not November. But that’s what I like about it. Thanksgiving should be a lifestyle, not a season in Autumn.

The Holy Bible mentions thanks or some modification of the word over 100 times. The book of Colossians mentions thankfulness seven times in its four short chapters.

 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Colossians 3:16

With the Bible mentioning Thanksgiving so much, it must be a big deal to God. The Bible doesn’t waste time discussing positive things we would naturally do. We wouldn’t be able to contain the Word on this planet if it did! No, it focuses on things we tend to neglect.

The Bible doesn’t instruct mothers to nurture our children; that’s something we do instinctively. Nurturing is built into our DNA. However, it does tell us to love others, because that does not come naturally. We, humans, are generally selfish, more interested in our own needs than the needs of others.

Which brings us to Thanksgiving. I think the scriptures mention thankfulness so many times because we tend to focus on the bad things in our life. Complaining and whining come to us naturally. Dwelling on the good things instead of the bad does not. In fact, worry and suffering are often linked with thanksgiving in the Bible. God provides the solution along with the problem.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6

Christians should be thankful every day of the year. We should cultivate thanks into our daily prayer routine. Thankfulness should color our view of the world around us. Instead of seeing gloom everywhere, we should find God’s miracles. I encourage you to challenge yourself to thirty days of gratefulness. I think you’ll discover your heart lifted and your perspective brightened.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Follow me @six5mom on Instagram and check out #hipmomsaregrateful.