When you sat down for Thanksgiving dinner, did someone say, “Let’s talk about what we’re thankful for?” Despite the good intentions of being that person, in that moment, I don’t always know what to mention. Most of us find it hard to express our thoughts beyond the usual: “my family & friends,” “the food on the table,” “a good job,” or “the roof over my head.” And, for some of you, maybe those things seem out of reach. A loved one is struggling with chemo, your best friend betrayed you, you recently lost your job and you wonder how to put food on the table.

This morning as I considered our struggle with appreciation, I found some amazing realities we can all be thankful for, regardless of our circumstances. My thoughts took me deeper into gratitude than I’ve been before and maybe they’ll do the same for you. So, I made a list.

Every day, I can be grateful for:

1. Wisdom 

The need may be for something as simple as shopping for new clothes. Or it could be giant-sized like figuring out where and how to look for work. Or what to say in a challenging conversation. Regardless, James 1:5 makes this principle available to all of us.  

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and ^[without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Not only once in awhile, but every time we ask. Whenever we need input from an all-encompassing perspective, it’s available. Closer than a phone call. It’s astonishing how God supplies the wisdom we need. We might have to wait on the Lord to respond, but that teaches us lessons, too. I’m not sure I’ve ever said “thank you, Jesus, for giving us wisdom.” 

2. Forgiveness. 

Jesus first forgave us that we might forgive others. Doing so keeps us from the bitterness that can infect our souls like a cancer if we let anger prevail. Hebrews 12:15 explains this reality.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.

No one. Not even our enemies. If we hang onto the wrongs done to us by others and allow bitterness to set in, it not only injures us, but others as well when they follow our example. Every single time I ask Jesus to yank out that “root of bitterness,” He does. Every. Single. Time. For me that usually starts with tears during a prayer time because sometimes I just want to stay angry. But when I start praying, it softens my heart and makes me cry. Perhaps that’s because I’m reminded of my own sins and somehow that washes away my self-righteous indignation. I hate crying. Still, I’m grateful for that process because not only do I not like me when I hang onto “my rights,” I don’t think others like me much that way either. Letting go of wrongs done to us sets us free to love. Forgiveness produces the greatest freedom known to man. Thank you God for teaching us to forgive.

3. Transformation.

Jesus continually shows His followers how to live a vibrant life. He doesn’t leave us in the chaos of our own choices. Instead, as we pay attention to Him, He reveals a better way and helps us walk into it. For example, I’m inclined to focus on the negative side of things. To be honest, I can be a pessimist. But Jesus doesn’t let me stay that way. Recently, someone I admire complimented me on my continual “positive attitude.” That’s only because Romans 12:2 reminds me not to:

be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

For many years, I worked for a woman who couldn’t deal with problems. To keep my job and do it well, I was forced to have my mind renewed. That meant addressing issues with a far more positive approach. Still, that’s not easy for me. Sometimes, as an author, I’ll catch myself writing the negative side of an issue. That helps me get it out of my system. But then, to be heard, I must rewrite suggesting solutions instead of just venting. In the process, my communication and problem-solving skills continue to grow. I’m thankful that Jesus is transforming that negative tendency because it makes me a kinder, gentler human being. Have you entered into that transformation process? If so, what have you been working on? I’d love see in the comments, the aspects of transformation you’re most grateful for.

4. Peace.

Perhaps this should be at the top of my gratitude list. There’s nothing like the peace that comes through a relationship with Christ. Even when the world is in turmoil. No matter how much animosity exists between people. Romans 12:18 challenges us:

if possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Sometimes, it’s simply not possible to bring peace into a relationship. But doing all we can to be a peacemaker (different than being a peacekeeper), means we’re heading in the right direction. When we’ve done our best, we have peace in knowing we’ve tried.  Matthew 5:9 describes the reward:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Wow, imagine that! We’re sons and daughters of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. As such, John 14:27 says that Jesus gives us peace that’s not found anywhere else in this world. Oh how grateful we can be for genuine peace inside our souls.

5. Hearing God’s voice.

As a child of God, I have access to the Lord day and night. He hears my prayers and answers them. Jesus gives His children special privileges, like hearing His voice. Sometimes He whispers things to us that no one else can hear. John 10:26-28 reveals how:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

That’s genuine security. In Christ, we’re safe.  When we abide in Him and Him in us, Jesus protects our souls from evil. Even when we die, we have the confidence of knowing we’ll be with Him. 

6. Eternal Life

When we have believed in our hearts and confessed Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9), we no longer have to fear being punished for our sins. Forever, we’re saved from God’s judgment. We don’t have to fear death because on the cross, Christ paid the penalty for all our sins.

Keeping an eternal perspective helps us conquer other fears, too. So many fears related to living. Maybe not being so afraid of death makes life less scary. And, for that I’m incredibly grateful. How about you?

7. God’s Word

There’s one commonality to all these points, the Bible. How could we know who are God is and what His principles are unless we have and read His Word. No matter what is going on in our lives, Scripture offers us instruction, comfort, guidance and more. 

The Bible is reliable because it is God-breathed. It is not merely the product of human thinking. How wonderful to know that our God wants a relationship with us and gave us His word so we can know Him and learn how to live according to His perspective instead of man’s.  

What else belongs on our gratitude list?

It would be easy to go on and on ad infinitum. Perhaps our usual struggle results because the things of this world are only temporary. Relationships can change. Jobs can go well or disappear over night. There’s never enough money to make us feel totally secure, and it cannot prevent a health crisis. All these things, as important as they are, pale in significance compared to when we consider an eternal spiritual dimension. No doubt, we’re all thankful for family and friends who are there for us. For meaningful work. For a nice place to live. For food. Yet sometimes we may have these things, and sometimes we don’t. The greatest deep-down heartfelt gratitude results from more than this world offers. It just requires a little more thought.

So, what are you most thankful for? Please tell us in the comments. Or, at the very least, think about it.