“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV).

Giving thanks is not a practice that should wait until the fourth Thursday of November. I recently was reminded of an old friend’s greeting whenever we visited his home in Gratitude, Maryland, right on the Chesapeake Bay. On our first visit he met us outside the house and told us to enter “with an attitude of gratitude!” Then he proceeded to set the perfect example of that attitude all weekend.  He rejoiced in his setting, in hospitality, and in his family.

I was a very young Christian back in those days. As my faith and knowledge of the Word of God have grown, it became obvious that this “attitude of gratitude” is a biblical one.  The Bible reminds us regularly to be thankful and to give thanks in all circumstances.

It’s eye-opening to consider what the Bible pairs with thanksgiving.  In Psalm 107:22 the Lord tells us that we can expect joy with Thanksgiving.  In other verses we see things like giving and thankfulness (Psalm 54:6) and peace and thankfulness in Colossians 3:15.  We praise God in our thanksgiving and praising Him gives Him the glory due to His name (1 Chronicles 16:34).

When we give thanks to the Lord others should hear about it.  This isn’t one of those things we need to do in the closet for no one else to hear. Psalm 105:1 instructs us, “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!”  (emphasis mine) When we thank God for His goodness others may see God’s faithfulness to us and look for it in their own lives.

Psalm 33:2 reminds us what a gift it is for musicians to offer thanksgiving with their musical talent.  The Psalmist says, “Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!”

I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to apply that to any gift God has given us. When we do it well and for His glory we honor Him with the gift He’s given us.  When we fail to use the gifts God has given us we are acting ungratefully toward Him.

There are many ways to express thanks to God and many ways that we benefit from having “attitudes of gratitude” as we approach God in prayer and praises for His goodness and steadfast love.  We are reminded of His love, can rest in His peace, and know the joy of the Lord.

There seems to be great wickedness afoot, in and outside of the church. But God is at work and we have many things to praise Him for doing in our midst. Even as He exposes evil we can be thankful for His righteousness and faithfulness.

Will we look for what He is doing in every sphere of our lives? He is the God who works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

How can you and I show gratitude in our attitude toward all whom we meet and all that we’re called to do and make His deeds known among the people?