An Attitude of Gratitude

By: Lisa Boisvert

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God's Word says we must thank Him in ALL circumstances, even in our biggest trials. But it's not just important, it's vital! After all, being grateful to God is an important part of following Jesus. It's easy for us to give thanks when everything is going well, but it gets much harder when things aren't... To be able to give thanks in our trials we need two things: God's help and God's peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

When the attitude of our heart is grateful, the Lord will give us His peace. It's a supernatural peace that overrides our circumstances and defies understanding. This verse from Philippians says if we ask Him, Jesus will help us guard our hearts (our emotions) and our minds (our intellect). God's peace will replace our fears and anxieties, and our faith in Jesus shifts our gaze onto Him. When life gets tough, don't try to fix things by yourself, ask for help from the One who can do ALL things!

I used to think the reason God wants our gratitude was because He feels like we do when someone thanks us. Now, I realize being grateful and telling the Lord "Thanks" blesses us more than it does Him. But when we thank God, we don't just get His peace, being grateful has pulled me out of my depression! How? Instead of focusing on what I don’t have or haven’t accomplished, gratitude focuses my thoughts on what I do have! If I start refocusing on my circumstances, I reset my mind by remembering everything God has done for me.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

Trials remind us we aren't self-reliant, and being grateful reminds us to be God-reliant. It won't always be easy, but let’s all choose to have "an attitude of gratitude" and trust God in EVERY circumstance!