Why Be Thankful? - Pastor James Hooper

Devotional

Day 1: Thankfulness Crowds Out Negativity and Sin

When you focus on gratitude, your mind becomes occupied with the goodness of God, leaving less room for negative thoughts, temptations, and self-condemnation. Instead of trying to will yourself into better behavior or obsessing over your failures, let thankfulness fill your heart and mind, crowding out the junk and doubts that can so easily take over. This shift in focus not only changes your attitude but also prepares you to face challenges with hope and anticipation, knowing that God has been faithful and will continue to be. [27:06]

Colossians 3:14-17 (ESV)
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been trying to “fix yourself” or overcome by sheer willpower? How can you intentionally shift your focus to gratitude today and let thankfulness crowd out the struggle?

Day 2: Meditate on God’s Goodness to Reframe Your Mind

Filling your mind with the good things God has done for you changes your perspective and helps you overcome negative thinking. When you rehearse God’s faithfulness, mercy, and love, your mindset shifts from anxiety and self-pity to hope and joy. This practice of meditating on God’s goodness is not about ignoring difficulties, but about letting the truth of who God is and what He has done become the dominant narrative in your heart and mind. [22:09]

Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Reflection: What is one specific good thing God has done for you that you can meditate on today? How might focusing on this reframe your attitude or approach to a current challenge?

Day 3: Gratitude Prepares You for God’s Next Blessing

Being thankful for where you are and what God has already done creates an anticipation for what He will do next. Instead of always looking to the next “mountain” or longing for what’s ahead, take time to enjoy the place God has brought you to and recognize His glory in your current circumstances. This posture of gratitude not only honors God but also builds your faith for the future, helping you face new challenges with hope and expectation. [36:17]

Psalm 100:1-5 (ESV)
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: Where are you standing today that you can be thankful for? Take a moment to write down or speak aloud three things about your current “mountain” that reveal God’s goodness.

Day 4: Thanksgiving Transforms Prayer and Invites Peace

When you bring your needs to God with a thankful heart, your prayers are transformed from anxious requests to faith-filled conversations. Thanksgiving reminds you of God’s past faithfulness and opens your heart to trust Him for the future. This attitude not only pleases God but also brings peace to your mind, guarding you against worry and fear as you present your requests to Him. [15:18]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Before you bring your needs to God today, pause and thank Him for three specific ways He has been faithful to you in the past. How does this change the way you pray?

Day 5: Practicing Daily Gratitude Changes Your Outlook

Starting your day by recalling and recording things you are thankful for sets the tone for everything that follows. As you intentionally notice and write down God’s blessings, your mind becomes trained to look for His goodness throughout the day. This simple practice not only lifts your spirit but also builds a habit of gratitude that can crowd out negativity and help you recognize God’s hand in every circumstance. [28:52]

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: Begin a gratitude journal today. What is one thing—big or small—you can write down right now that you are thankful for? How might this practice help you see God’s goodness more clearly this week?

Sermon Summary

As we enter Thanksgiving week, it’s a gift to pause and truly consider what it means to be thankful. Many wrestle with the idea of gratitude, especially when life feels heavy or when it seems like there’s little to celebrate. Yet, Scripture calls us to a life marked by thankfulness—not as a superficial exercise, but as a transformative way of living. In Colossians 3, Paul urges us to “put on love,” let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and to be thankful. This isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to a new mindset.

Paul’s teaching is clear: we cannot will ourselves into holiness or simply “stop” sinning by sheer effort. The old way of self-made religion—rules, self-denial, and beating ourselves up—has no power to truly change us. Instead, the way forward is to set our minds on things above, to fill our thoughts with the goodness, mercy, and faithfulness of God. When we focus on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, we crowd out the negative, self-defeating thoughts that so easily entangle us.

This is not about ignoring reality or pretending hardships don’t exist. Rather, it’s about reframing our perspective. The facts of our circumstances may be grim, but the truth of God’s promises is greater. Gratitude is the key that unlocks peace and joy, even in the midst of struggle. When we practice thankfulness, our minds become attuned—like the reticular activating system—to notice God’s blessings, both big and small. This is why keeping a gratitude journal can be so powerful: it helps us remember and rehearse God’s faithfulness, especially when we’re tempted to forget.

We are called to enjoy the mountain we’re on, to savor the present work of God in our lives, rather than always longing for the next thing. Thankfulness prepares our hearts for what’s ahead, creating anticipation and hope rather than dread. It’s not about making God feel better—He is complete in Himself—but about transforming us, freeing us from cycles of self-condemnation and anxiety. As we meditate on God’s goodness, we find strength to face whatever comes, knowing that the God who brought us this far will carry us forward.

Key Takeaways

1. Thankfulness crowds out negativity and self-condemnation When we intentionally focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, our minds have less room for negative, self-defeating thoughts. Gratitude is not just a feeling but a discipline that shifts our mental landscape, making it harder for anxiety, fear, and self-criticism to take root. This is how we break free from cycles of self-condemnation and experience true peace. [10:11]
2. You cannot will yourself into transformation Paul teaches that self-made religion and sheer willpower are powerless against the pull of the flesh. True change comes not from striving, but from setting our minds on things above and allowing God’s truth to renew us. When we stop trying to fix ourselves and instead meditate on God’s promises, transformation follows naturally. [06:00]
3. Meditate on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy Filling our minds with what is good, just, and lovely is not denial—it’s spiritual strategy. The facts of our situation may be discouraging, but the truth of God’s character and promises is greater. By meditating on these things, we create space for hope and faith to flourish, even in adversity. [18:20]
4. Enjoy the mountain you’re on before seeking the next It’s easy to always look ahead to the next challenge or blessing, but God invites us to savor the present. Gratitude for where we are and what God has already done grounds us in His faithfulness and prepares us for what’s next. This posture of thankfulness brings contentment and joy in every season. [24:40]
5. Practicing gratitude prepares you for future challenges Thankfulness is not just for the good times; it equips us to face adversity with hope and anticipation. When we remember how God has been faithful in the past, we approach new challenges with confidence, expecting His goodness to continue. This mindset transforms how we experience both trials and triumphs. [36:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Thanksgiving and the Struggle for Gratitude
[01:18] - Why Be Thankful? Colossians 3
[04:02] - The Power of “Therefore”
[05:13] - Self-Made Religion vs. True Change
[06:54] - Setting Your Mind on Things Above
[08:41] - Putting on the New Self
[10:11] - Thankfulness as a Spiritual Strategy
[12:55] - The Reticular Activating System and Focus
[14:12] - Psalm 100: Reasons to Give Thanks
[15:18] - Prayer, Supplication, and Thanksgiving
[17:45] - Meditating on What Is True
[20:16] - Crowding Out Negativity with Gratitude
[23:17] - The Mountain Story: Enjoying the Present
[26:32] - Getting Out of Your Own Head
[30:06] - The Gratitude Journal Challenge
[34:28] - Thanksgiving Prepares Us for Christmas
[36:17] - Thankfulness Prepares Us for What’s Next
[37:45] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transforming Power of Thankfulness**

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### Bible Reading

**Colossians 3:1-17 (ESV)**
> 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
> 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
> 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
> 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
> 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
> 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
> 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
> 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
> 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
> 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
> 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
> 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
> 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
> 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
> 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
> 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
> 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

**Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)**
> 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
> 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
> 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

**Psalm 100:1-5 (ESV)**
> 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
> 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
> 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
> 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
> 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

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### Observation Questions

In Colossians 3, what does Paul say we should “put on” and what should “rule in our hearts”? ([01:43])
According to Philippians 4, what is the result of bringing our requests to God with thanksgiving? ([15:18])
What does Psalm 100 say about why we should give thanks to God? ([14:12])
The sermon mentions that Paul warns against trying to change ourselves by willpower or self-made religion. What does Paul say is the real way to transformation? ([06:00])

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### Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect thankfulness with peace and unity in Colossians 3? How might gratitude help us experience more peace in our lives? ([02:14])
The sermon says that focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy “crowds out” negativity and self-condemnation. Why do you think this is so effective? ([10:11])
The pastor shared a story about always looking for the next mountain instead of enjoying the one you’re on. What does this reveal about our tendency to overlook God’s present blessings? ([24:40])
According to the sermon, how does practicing gratitude prepare us for future challenges? ([36:17])

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### Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to keep a gratitude journal. What is one thing you could write down today that you’re thankful for, even if life feels heavy right now? ([30:06])
When you wake up in the morning, do you tend to focus on what you dread or on what you’re grateful for? How could you intentionally start your day differently this week? ([28:52])
Is there an area of your life where you’ve been trying to “fix yourself” by sheer willpower? What would it look like to shift your focus from self-effort to meditating on God’s promises in that area? ([06:00])
Think about a recent situation where you felt anxious or overwhelmed. How might bringing that situation to God “with thanksgiving” change your perspective or your response? ([15:18])
The sermon talks about enjoying the “mountain you’re on” before seeking the next. What is something in your current season that you can savor and thank God for, instead of always looking ahead? ([24:40])
The pastor said that gratitude is not about making God feel better, but about transforming us. Have you ever noticed a change in your attitude or outlook when you practiced thankfulness? Share a specific example. ([27:41])
If you tend to dwell on negative or self-defeating thoughts, what is one practical step you can take this week to “crowd out” those thoughts with gratitude? ([20:16])

Sermon Clips

There's a difference between facts and the truth. You go to the doctor and you get a diagnosis. That's a fact. But the truth is, God is our healer. The fact is, we don't have any money in the bank. But the truth is, God says, I will provide all your needs according to my riches in glory through Christ Jesus. That's the truth. So we need to think on true things, true things. Whatever things are noble, whatever things elevate you, think on those things. [00:18:28] (37 seconds) #FillYourMindWithGood

How do you get peace? It's think on the things of God. Think on the good things. Fill your mind with good things. When you fill your mind with good things, you don't have room for the bad stuff. You don't have time for it. This is how you can have self-control. Your desires lose space in your mind. Those fleshly things that Paul talked against, those things, they get crowded out by the good things of God, by the noble things, by the true things, by the things that are a good report, the pure things, virtuous things, praiseworthy things. [00:19:35] (40 seconds) #BreakThePityCycle

``All I have to do is start thinking about his goodness, start thinking about his mercy, start thinking about his faithfulness, start thinking about what he has done for me, start thinking about things that are true. Yes, I may have failed. Yes. But the truth is, I'm more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loved me. And I just, I cannot stay down there because I am a child of the Most High God, and Christ's victory from the grave has been given to me, and I can live in that victory. [00:22:39] (32 seconds) #GratefulNotDreadful

I have to be grateful for the spot I'm on, and be there, and enjoy what God has done, and enjoy what he has accomplished in my life, and see the glory of God in the spot that I'm standing. That other mountain will come in due time, but right now, I have to be thankful for the mountain I'm standing on, and enjoy the glory of God, and look at what he's done, and what he's accomplished, and who's put around me, and all those kind of things, and just enjoy it, and revel in his glory. [00:25:04] (37 seconds) #ThinkOnGoodThings

If you can't get out of your own head, what I'm saying is, point blank, start thinking about other things. Start thinking about how grateful you are that you're not where you were. Start thinking about how thankful you are that God has brought you from a dark place and lifted you up. Yes, there are things that look bleak in our lives, but that's going to come. Those things will come, and you will conquer that, too, because God is going to take you there, and he's going to raise you up. [00:25:42] (29 seconds) #CrowdOutNegativity

There are people that have been fighting and fighting and fighting and fighting, trying to get themselves better, trying to fix themselves, trying to beat themselves up because they can't seem to accomplish. They can't seem to get victory over something. Stop beating yourself up. Start thinking on the good things. Start thinking on the true things. Start thinking on the lovely things. Start thinking of what God has blessed you with, and let that crowd out that junk, and God will take you to that next mountain, and you'll overcome it. [00:26:48] (35 seconds) #WriteDownBlessings

When you start thinking of the good things God has done for you, if you are thinking about what God's done, your reticular activating system is going to start seeing good things. You're going to start recognizing it. What better day would you have? What a better day it would be if you started your day thinking about good things and then let God show them and reveal them to you. He put that in your mind for a reason. And the scripture says, oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. [00:28:54] (32 seconds) #ThankfulnessPrepares

Look at where you are. I challenge you. Look where you are. Yes, you're dealing with some things. Yes, there's always things. There's always going to be something that you can be distracted by. And you have to deal with those things. But if you do it with a thankful heart, if you do what God says, meditate on his goodness. Meditate on him. And this is not Eastern mysticism. Mysticism, this is not empty your mind of stuff. No, no, no. This is fill your head, rehearse the good things of God. Rehearse them in your mind. [00:31:52] (41 seconds)

When you are thankful, let me add this here. When you are thankful, it is preparing your mind for something else, for something good. It creates in you an anticipation of something good. You expect to it. When you start thinking about how good God has been to you, then you think, oh, that just means he's faithful, so he's going to keep being good to me. And does God do things the same way twice? Oh, no. God does bigger and better. So he's going to overcome some...help me overcome some amazing things in my life. [00:36:17] (36 seconds)

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