Do you need your prayers answered to be grateful to God? Do you wait for things to work out the way you planned before you appreciate God and give Him praise?  Are you thankful for your present circumstances, salvation, friendships, family, job?

      Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18.

We should praise God because of His character and not our circumstances. Thanking God should not be an occasional act, a once – a – year celebration, but a way of life –  an ongoing and a continual behavior. St Paul in Colossians 2:6-7 tells us that praise is a byproduct of God’s presence and that changed his life and made him a joyful person irrespective of his circumstances. The presence of Christ in our lives results in growth and fruit bearing –  thanksgiving and gratitude. Christ is all we need and He has given us more than we deserve. Instead of thinking of our circumstances, what we have or what we don’t have, focus on Christ. Look for small things to be grateful for and celebrate everyday. Thanksgiving is one of the distinctive marks of a Christian and as such, gratitude should start and end our day. The enemy loses the battle when we give thanks in the midst of difficulty. Therefore, no matter what you are going through, cultivate the spirit of thankfulness. A thankful heart gives you the freedom to love life and changes you, your outlook and attitude. Pause daily to recognize and thank God for the good gifts surrounding you and I assure you that your burden will be lighter.