I’ve always believed in God’s goodness, but there were times when I struggled to feel His presence. It seemed like I was only aware of God’s work when something big or miraculous happened. Then I started the simple habit of listing three things I was thankful for each day.
At first, I focused on significant events, like a promotion at work or a successful project. But as time went on, I noticed that this daily practice changed my perspective, helping me recognize God’s involvement in even the smallest aspects of my life.
The Bible teaches us that giving thanks is a vital part of our relationship with God. It not only honors Him but also opens our eyes to His presence and providence in our daily lives. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” When we make gratitude a habit, we begin to see God’s activity more clearly, even in the seemingly mundane parts of life.
But there’s more to discover. Let’s explore how this practice can deepen our awareness of God’s work in our lives.
Recognizing God’s Hand in the Big and Small Things
Initially, when we start giving thanks, it’s natural to focus on significant blessings. These are the moments that are easy to see as God’s goodness—an answered prayer, a health recovery, or a long-awaited opportunity. These “big” things stand out, and they should be acknowledged and celebrated. But if we limit our gratitude only to these large events, we miss out on experiencing God’s daily presence.
When I began to give thanks every day, I soon ran out of the major blessings to list. This compelled me to pay attention to the smaller details, like waking up to a sunny day, finding a parking spot, or enjoying a simple meal. These seemingly ordinary moments often go unnoticed, but as I thanked God for them, I realized how deeply He cares for every aspect of my life.
Psalm 139:3 (NLT) reminds us, “You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.” This verse reassures us that God is indeed involved in all the details of our lives. By being intentional about gratitude, we start to recognize His hand not just in the extraordinary but in the everyday things too. It changes our perception, helping us appreciate His continuous care and guidance.
Gratitude as a Pathway to Trust and Security
Practicing daily thanksgiving not only helps us see God’s activity but also builds a profound sense of trust. When we acknowledge that every good thing in our lives comes from God, it deepens our confidence in His provision.
James 1:17 (NLT) affirms this, stating, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father.” When we are mindful of the countless ways He provides for us, it instills a sense of security that goes beyond circumstances.
This awareness also shifts our mindset from attributing outcomes to luck or coincidence to recognizing God’s providence. Luck implies randomness, but God’s provision is intentional and purposeful. For instance, rather than seeing a new job opportunity as mere chance, we can see it as God’s timely provision for our needs. Similarly, when we experience peace in a chaotic situation, we can recognize it as His gift rather than attributing it to mere circumstance.
This perspective shift strengthens our relationship with God, fostering a deeper reliance on Him. We realize that if God cares enough to bless us in the small things, then we can surely trust Him with the big issues in our lives as well. It encourages a lifestyle of trust and peace, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and attentive Father.
How Giving Thanks in “Mundane” Moments Deepens Faith
It can be easy to overlook the mundane aspects of life, but these are the very areas where God is constantly at work. When we intentionally thank God for things that seem ordinary, we begin to understand that nothing in our lives is insignificant to Him. Whether it’s having a car that runs, enjoying a warm cup of coffee, or simply being healthy enough to go about our day, these are blessings that reveal God’s care and provision.
The habit of daily gratitude trains our spiritual eyes to see God in places we might not have looked before. Over time, we start to realize that what we once considered mundane is actually filled with meaning. Each day becomes an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness in a new way, no matter how routine the circumstances may be.
Consider the Israelites’ experience in the wilderness when God provided manna daily. To them, it could have become just another ordinary meal, but it was, in fact, a miraculous provision from God (Exodus 16:14-15, NLT). The same principle applies to us. When we recognize God’s blessings in the ordinary, we begin to appreciate the consistent ways He sustains us.
Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude in Children
Teaching children to give thanks from a young age helps them grow with a constant awareness of God’s presence. When we guide them to find things to thank God for, we instill in them a habit of looking for God’s blessings in every situation.
It can be as simple as asking them at the end of each day, “What are three things you are thankful for today?” This practice not only helps them see God’s goodness but also encourages a positive attitude and a heart of worship.
You might be surprised by the things children notice and give thanks for. Their simplicity and honesty can open our eyes to blessings we might have overlooked. The childlike perspective can teach us to value the simple joys and blessings of life, reminding us that God is present in both the big and small things.
Making Gratitude a Daily Habit
To truly appreciate God’s active role in our lives, we need to develop the discipline of daily gratitude. Here are some practical ways to get started:
- Set a Reminder: Make it a habit to give thanks at specific times during the day, such as when you wake up, before meals, or before going to bed.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day. Over time, this will become a testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life.
- Involve the Family: Make gratitude a family activity. Share what you are thankful for during dinner or family prayer time.
- Pray with Thanksgiving: When you pray, start by thanking God for what He has done before presenting your requests. This shifts your focus from problems to God’s provision.
The practice of thanksgiving transforms our perspective. As we give thanks in all circumstances, our eyes are opened to see how deeply God is involved in our lives. He is not a distant deity who only intervenes in major events; He is a loving Father who cares for every detail, from the smallest blessings to the greatest miracles.
Conclusion
The simple act of giving thanks has a profound impact on our spiritual life. It opens our eyes to see God’s activity in both the big events and the ordinary moments. By cultivating a habit of gratitude, we become more aware of God’s continuous presence and provision. We learn to trust Him more deeply and recognize His care in every situation.
As Psalm 118:24 (NLT) proclaims, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Let us live each day with a heart full of gratitude, acknowledging that every good thing comes from our loving God.