Thanks Living: Embracing Gratitude Every Day

Devotional

Day 1: Give Thanks in All Circumstances

A life of gratitude is not reserved for a single season or holiday, but is a daily calling for every follower of Christ. True thankfulness means giving thanks in every circumstance, not just when life is easy or blessings are obvious. Even in trials, disappointments, or unexpected changes, God calls His people to recognize His presence and goodness. When we choose gratitude over complaint, we shift our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided, and we begin to see His hand at work in every part of our lives. [45:33]

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

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or disappointment—how can you intentionally thank God in the midst of it today, trusting that He is present and working even now?

Day 2: God Works All Things for Good

Thanks living means seeing God’s hand in everything, even when life feels uncertain or plans suddenly change. For those who love God, every situation—good or bad—is woven into His greater purpose. Gratitude grows when we trust that God is working behind the scenes, in the shadows, delays, and disappointments. Instead of asking “God, where are you?” we can declare, “God, I know you are here with me,” and thank Him before the blessings even arrive, confident that He will bring us through every storm. [50:17]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: Recall a time when God brought you through a difficult season—how can remembering His past faithfulness help you trust and thank Him in your current uncertainties?

Day 3: Speak Life, Not Complaint

The words we speak have the power to shape our hearts and the atmosphere around us. Grateful people talk differently; they choose words that build up, encourage, and honor God, even on hard days. Complaining only magnifies problems, but gratitude magnifies God and brings light into every situation. By choosing to speak thankful words, we not only change our own perspective but also brighten the lives of those around us, becoming a source of encouragement in a world quick to complain. [53:47]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: What is one area where you tend to complain most—can you intentionally replace your next complaint with a word of gratitude or encouragement instead?

Day 4: Contentment Is the Secret to Gratitude

True gratitude is rooted in contentment, the ability to say, “What God has given me is enough.” The world shouts for more, but thanks living whispers that God’s goodness is already more than we deserve. Contentment is not natural; it is learned through Christ, who gives us strength to face every circumstance—plenty or want, joy or hardship. When we stop chasing after more and start thanking God for what we have, we discover the secret to a grateful, fulfilled life. [57:29]

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Reflection: Is there something you’ve been longing for or believing will finally make you happy? How can you practice contentment and gratitude for what you already have today?

Day 5: Gratitude Is a Daily Decision

Thankfulness is not a fleeting mood but a daily choice. Each morning, regardless of how we feel or what we face, we have the opportunity to choose joy and gratitude. The psalmist reminds us that every day is a gift from God, and we are invited to rejoice and be glad in it. By making gratitude a daily habit, we become powerful people who make life better for those around us, living out a lifestyle of thanks living rather than just celebrating Thanksgiving once a year. [01:01:27]

Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Reflection: As you begin your day, what is one specific thing you can thank God for right now, and how can you carry that spirit of gratitude into every interaction today?

Sermon Summary

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s easy to treat gratitude as a seasonal event—something we focus on for a few weeks and then pack away with the decorations. But God calls us to something deeper: a life of “thanks living.” This is a lifestyle of gratitude that isn’t limited to November, but is woven into every day, every circumstance, and every season of our lives. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians remind us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” This isn’t a suggestion for when things are easy or when blessings are obvious; it’s a call to see God’s hand at work even in the mess, the disappointments, and the uncertainties.

It’s natural to find ourselves complaining, especially about what we lack or when life doesn’t go as planned. But when we focus on what we don’t have, we lose sight of all that God has already given us. True gratitude begins when we recognize God’s faithfulness in the present moment, not just in hindsight. Romans 8:28 assures us that God is working all things for good for those who love Him—even when the future feels unclear or our prayers seem unanswered. Thanks living is the ability to trust that God is present and active, even before the blessings arrive.

Our words reveal the posture of our hearts. Proverbs teaches that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Grateful people speak differently; they don’t ignore reality, but they choose to magnify God rather than their problems. Complaining never solves anything, but gratitude shifts our focus and makes God bigger than our circumstances. This is especially powerful when we encounter chronic complainers—rather than being drawn into negativity, we can choose to be the ones who bring light and thankfulness into the room.

Contentment is the soil where gratitude grows. Paul, who endured both abundance and need, learned the secret of being content in every situation: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This isn’t about achieving every desire, but about finding sufficiency in Christ alone. The world shouts for more, but thanks living whispers, “God has already been good to me.” If we can’t thank God for what we have now, more will never satisfy us.

Gratitude is a daily decision. Each morning, we have a choice: to complain or to rejoice in the day the Lord has made. Thankfulness isn’t a mood, but a discipline that shapes our hearts and our witness to others. Thankful people are powerful people—they make life better for everyone around them. Thanksgiving is an event, but thanks living is a way of life. Let’s choose gratitude every day, trusting that God is faithful and present in every circumstance.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude is a daily, not seasonal, choice Gratitude isn’t reserved for holidays or special occasions; it’s a discipline to be practiced every day, in every circumstance. When we choose to see God’s hand at work in both the good and the difficult, we cultivate a heart that is resilient and joyful. This daily decision transforms our perspective and deepens our faith. [45:33]
2. Contentment is the foundation of true thankfulness Paul’s secret to contentment wasn’t found in changing circumstances, but in Christ’s sufficiency. When we learn to be content with what God has given us, gratitude naturally follows. The pursuit of “more” will never satisfy, but recognizing God’s provision in the present brings peace and fulfillment. [55:26]
3. Our words shape our hearts and our witness The way we speak—especially in challenging times—reveals the state of our hearts. Choosing to speak life and gratitude, rather than complaint, not only honors God but also encourages those around us. Grateful words have the power to shift atmospheres and point others to God’s goodness. [52:06]
4. Thankfulness grows through intentional practice, not by accident No one drifts into a grateful life; it requires intentionality and sometimes even struggle. Like any discipline, it begins with small choices—rejoicing in the day, refusing to complain, and remembering God’s faithfulness. Over time, these choices shape us into people who reflect Christ’s joy and contentment. [57:29]
5. Only Christ can produce lasting gratitude True, lasting gratitude is not self-generated; it is the fruit of Christ living in us. When we surrender our need for control and trust in His sufficiency, we discover a gratitude that endures through every season and circumstance. This is the secret Paul learned, and it is available to all who are in Christ. [55:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Thanksgiving Memories and Kids Table
[02:30] - No Complaining Challenge Recap
[04:00] - Looking Ahead: No Excuses in January
[06:10] - Thanks Living: A Life of Gratitude
[08:00] - Thankfulness Is Not a Holiday
[10:15] - Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
[13:00] - Complaining vs. Contentment
[15:00] - Seeing God’s Hand in Everything
[17:00] - Speaking Life, Not Complaint
[20:00] - The Chronic Complainer
[22:00] - The Secret of Contentment
[25:00] - Gratitude Is a Daily Decision
[27:00] - Invitation to Respond and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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

Romans 8:28 (ESV) — > And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV) — > Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what three things does Paul instruct believers to do at all times?
In Romans 8:28, what does Paul say about God’s work in the lives of those who love Him?
What is the “secret” Paul says he has learned in Philippians 4:11-13 about facing all kinds of circumstances?
The sermon mentioned that gratitude is not just a feeling but a lifestyle. What are some examples the pastor gave of situations where we are called to give thanks, even when it’s hard? ([47:00])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances” instead of just when things are going well? What does this reveal about God’s will for us? ([45:33])
The pastor said that “thanks living” is the ability to see God’s hand at work even in the mess and disappointments. How does Romans 8:28 help us trust God when the future is unclear or our prayers seem unanswered? ([50:17])
Paul says he learned to be content in every situation. What does it mean to find sufficiency in Christ rather than in changing circumstances? ([55:26])
The sermon talked about the power of our words, quoting Proverbs 18:21. How can the way we speak in difficult times affect our own hearts and the people around us? ([52:06])

Application Questions

The pastor challenged the church to replace complaining with gratitude. What is one area of your life where you find yourself complaining the most? What would it look like to intentionally practice gratitude in that area this week? ([48:06])
When you wake up in the morning, what is your first thought or attitude? How can you make the daily decision to “rejoice and be glad” as Psalm 118:24 says, even on tough days? ([01:01:27])
The sermon mentioned “chronic complainers” and how their attitude can affect a room. Have you ever noticed your own words influencing the mood of your home, workplace, or friendships? How can you be someone who brings thankfulness and light instead of negativity? ([53:47])
Paul’s “secret” was contentment in Christ, not in having more. Is there something you are waiting for or wanting that you think will finally make you happy? How can you practice being content with what God has already given you? ([58:46])
The world shouts “more, more, more,” but “thanks living” whispers, “God has already been good to me.” What is one practical way you can remind yourself of God’s goodness throughout your day? ([58:46])
The pastor said, “If you can’t thank God for what you have now, more will never satisfy you.” Have you experienced this in your own life? Share a time when getting “more” didn’t bring the satisfaction you hoped for. ([01:00:14])
Gratitude is a discipline, not just a mood. What is one small, intentional step you can take this week to grow in gratitude, even if it feels unnatural or difficult? ([57:29])

Sermon Clips

Paul says I want you to give thanks in all circumstances. That's not a seasonal thing that's an everyday thing. That's an everyday thing in all circumstances. When we go through trials and we go through seasons and we go through storms and we go through these things in our life that sometimes it's hard to take all of our circumstances and give thanks. You get a bad diagnosis on a health report Paul says give thanks. You get in a car accident because a Roseburg driver hits you, give thanks. You get a flat tire on the side of the road, give thanks. [00:47:02] (41 seconds) #ChooseThankfulnessNotComplaints

``Thanks living refuses to say God where are you instead it says God I know that you're here with me somewhere. You don't have to thank God for everything it says but you have to thank him in everything. Sometimes we're like why am I going through this? He's working behind the scenes. God is in the shadows, he's in the delays, he's in the disappointments, he is there with us. [00:51:40] (34 seconds) #GratefulWordsChangeLives

Thankful people brighten up the room but complaining makes the problem bigger. I've never complained about a problem and it went away but what I have seen is gratitude magnifies God instead and God becomes bigger than the complaint. So you can't live a grateful life with a grumbling mouth. Thanks living means choosing God's word that honors God, encouraging others and building faith even on those hard days. [00:54:50] (31 seconds) #DailyChoiceOfJoy

Thanks living is rooted in contentment. Philippians chapter 4 verses 11 and 13 Paul says and I want you to really look at this passage here because Paul says not that I am speaking of being in need for I've learned in whatever situation I am content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and needs. [00:55:20] (31 seconds) #ThankfulPeopleArePowerful

Only Christ can fulfill us and make us be thankful and have gratitude. Only Jesus Christ living inside of us can help us be content in every situation. We need to be content. Does it come naturally? No. If you're telling yourself you know what I'm just not one of those happy people and I'm never going to be one of those happy people, I'm never going to be content, I'm just one of those people that's never going to be content in life, well guess what, we're all wired that way. [00:57:10] (33 seconds)

This scripture, the backbone of the scripture is this backbone is that I can face all of these life adversities and these circumstances in my life and I can be content with them only through Christ who strengthens me. Gratitude is the backbone of contentment, it is the backbone, it's saying Lord what you have given me is enough, what you've done for me is more than I deserve. [00:58:16] (28 seconds)

Just us waking up in the morning is more than we deserved. We should be thankful for that breath, that first breath that we take in the morning. In our world though, our world shouts more, more, more, more, you need more, you have to have more to be successful, is more, more, more, more. Thanks living whispers God's already been good to me, I don't need any more. [00:58:46] (25 seconds)

Thanks living says today I choose joy, today I choose gratitude, today I'm going to praise the Lord and I'm going to praise Him over and over and over for all of the things that I have and it's a choice and it's one that we have to make today, it's one that we have to make tomorrow, it's one that we have to make every day and so the challenge is that we are going to be, and here's the challenge, I'll make it simple for you, every day that ends with a Y we need to be thankful. [01:01:38] (30 seconds)

Thankful people are powerful people. Thankful people are powerful people, thankful people make life better for other people around them. Colossians 3 15 says and be thankful, that short simple commanding, it's not optional and it's vital for our Christian health. Thanksgiving is an event, it's the last Thursday of every November, it's an event and it's a great event and I love, I love Thanksgiving, I love that we can come together if you have a family or church family or whatever, I love it but thanks living it's a lifestyle. [01:02:32] (39 seconds)

You can't live a life of gratitude until you know who the giver of life is. You must know the giver of life before you can have gratitude. So this morning, and I hear this all the time, I just heard it yesterday and it just sometimes it just drives me absolutely crazy but somebody told me yesterday I want to come to Christ, I want to be baptized but you know what I got to fix a few things in my life before I can do that. [01:06:12] (32 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does living a lifestyle of gratitude involve?

How can gratitude transform difficult circumstances into growth?

Why is contentment essential for a thankful life?