“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ— the Message — have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives — words, actions, whatever — be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬

Do you have a mindset of thankfulness? Are you able to find something to be thankful for in all situations? Do you give thanks, even when the storm clouds roll in? 

On this Thankful Thursday let’s remember our ultimate praise and give thanks. 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are saved through the blood of Christ and not by our own works. Praise God! Below is a list of ways you can cultivate thankfulness:

1. Begin each morning with God. If you are unable to commit to a morning devotion time, be intentional about talking with God as you prepare for your day. Thank God for the day ahead and ask God to open your eyes to the many blessings of the day.
2. Write in a gratitude journal. List at least 5 things you are thankful for every day and praise God for them.
3. Listen to praise music while you are working around the house or in the car.
4. Be aware of answered prayers and share with others how God has answered your prayers.
5. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open for God’s blessings all day!

If you and I work daily to cultivate thankfulness, we will grow a mindset of thankfulness. Then, when the storm clouds of life are on the horizon, we will be equipped to “give thanks in all circumstances” as we are charged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV.