How to Immediately Become a More Thankful Person

I once heard an interesting fact and that there are times when (most) men can sit and think about absolutely nothing!  When they say they are thinking about nothing, they are telling the truth!  That leaves me feeling intrigued and envious all at the same time.  Come on, how is that even possible?!  To just sit and not one single thought run through your mind... My mind races a mile a minute throughout the day.  I am constantly thinking about something that needs to be taken care of or something that needs my attention.  Shoot, I need a boy brain...

On top of all of the thoughts and worries God wants me to remain thankful.  How are we supposed to be thankful when bills need to be paid, families need to be taken care of, businesses need to be run, and meals need to be prepared?  Lord, that just seems like too much.  Could you give us a pass on this one?  Well, I am pretty sure that we are not getting that pass because 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) instructs us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  

God has spoken so we must figure out a way to be thankful with all that we have going on.  I believe there are some things we can do right away to become more thankful people. 

Sense of Perspective

 Doesn't it seem like things that are negative are always glaringly obvious like a neon sign while we must actively seek to find things that are positive?  I wonder why that is?  Why do we so easily recognize the negative?  Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  If we are going to be more thankful people, then we have to be cautious of our perspectives.  How are we viewing life?  Are we seeing things the way God wants us to see things?  When we examine things through the Philippians 4:8 lens and begin to see from God's perspective we will immediately find ourselves becoming more thankful. (Click here for the Think on These Things checklist.)

See the Possibility

Once our perspectives change we can begin to see the possibilities.  We begin to consider the idea that maybe things will not always be so difficult.   Have you ever had possibility try to squeeze in through the negativity?  Stop for a moment and just imagine the positive possibilities for your life.  Sense it and then see it.  1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) says and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  Can you see your suffering coming to an end and the possibilities becoming a reality?  When you can see it you will immediately become a more thankful person.

Say it with Power

God is trying to bring your life together in the most beautiful way.  Once you sense it and see it you have to say it with power!  Job 22:28 (NASB) says you will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And light will shine on your ways.  When you are speaking God's language things will begin to happen!  Start speaking what He tells you about your family, business, finances, or ministry.  You will be so thankful when you see those things start to shift.  

It does not matter what you are facing today.  We are all encouraged to give thanks in all of our circumstances and situations.  When you have a new sense of perspective, see the possibilities, and say what God says with power you will quickly realize that you have become a much more thankful person even in the midst of your circumstances.  Let Him heal your soul!

Share this post today with someone who wants to be more thankful.

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Question:  What helps you to give thanks in all circumstances?

For more ways to become a more thankful person, click here to get my free eBook, 7 Beneficial Ways to Cultivate a Deeper Relationship with God, and begin receiving all that God has for you. 

To check out more from Shayla, visit www.ShaylaHilton.com

Your Sister in Christ,

Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  I am struggling to feel thankful.  I know that you have blessed me, but it is hard to see with so much going on.  Please change my perspective, help me see the possibilities and then speak what you say. In Jesus' Name, Amen.