LIVING A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING

Title: LIVING A LIFE OF GRATITUDE 

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 
Supporting Texts: Psalm 100:4, Colossians 3:15-17, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 107:1, Ephesians 5:20

INTRODUCTION
Gratitude is one of the most powerful attitudes we can adopt as believers. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse challenges us to live a life that overflows with thanksgiving, not just in the good times but also in the difficult moments. A life of gratitude is an expression of our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, it transforms our perspective, our relationships, and our faith journey.

In this message, we will explore what it means to live a life of gratitude and how it impacts every area of our lives.

1. THE COMMAND TO BE THANKFUL

a) Thanksgiving in All Circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
Paul instructs us to give thanks in all circumstances. This doesn’t mean we are thankful *for* everything, but rather *in* every situation. Whether we are in seasons of joy or seasons of trial, we are called to maintain an attitude of gratitude because we know God is working in all things for our good. 
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

b) Thanksgiving Is God’s Will (Ephesians 5:20)
Living a life of gratitude is not just a suggestion; it is the will of God for us. When we thank God in every situation, we align our hearts with His purpose and will. 
- Ephesians 5:20: "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

c) Enter His Presence with Thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4) 
Thanksgiving opens the door to God’s presence. When we come before Him with gratitude, we enter into a deeper relationship with Him, recognizing His goodness and faithfulness. 
- Psalm 100:4: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."

2. WHY GRATITUDE MATTERS

a) Gratitude Shifts Our Focus (Philippians 4:6)
When we choose to be thankful, we shift our focus from our problems to God’s provision. Instead of dwelling on what we lack or the challenges we face, gratitude redirects our attention to God’s blessings and His ability to meet our needs. 
- Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

b) Gratitude Cultivates Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8) 
A heart of gratitude leads to contentment. When we are thankful for what we have, we learn to be satisfied, whether we have much or little. Gratitude helps us avoid the trap of constantly desiring more and instead allows us to appreciate God’s daily provision. 
- 1 Timothy 6:6: "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

c) Gratitude Strengthens Faith (Colossians 2:6-7) 
When we are thankful, our faith is strengthened. As we remember all that God has done for us, our trust in Him grows. Gratitude helps us to recall His past faithfulness, which gives us the confidence to face future challenges. 
- Colossians 2:6-7: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

3. PRACTICAL WAYS TO LIVE A LIFE OF GRATITUDE

a) Cultivate a Daily Habit of Thanksgiving (Psalm 107:1)
Gratitude is not something we express occasionally; it should be a daily practice. Every day, take time to thank God for His blessings—both big and small. 
- Psalm 107:1: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."

b) Speak Words of Gratitude (Ephesians 4:29)
Our words have power. When we speak words of gratitude, we uplift others and bring glory to God. Let your conversations be filled with thanksgiving, avoiding negative and complaining speech. 
- Ephesians 4:29: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

c) Express Gratitude in Difficult Times (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
It’s easy to be grateful when life is going well, but true gratitude shines in difficult times. Even when things don’t go as planned, choose to give thanks to God, knowing that He is still in control. 
- Habakkuk 3:17-18: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

4. THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

a) Gratitude Brings Joy (Psalm 28:7)
A grateful heart is a joyful heart. When we focus on the goodness of God and His blessings, it fills our hearts with joy and praise. 
- Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."

b) Gratitude Releases God’s Favour (Luke 17:15-19)
In Luke 17, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus told him, “Your faith has made you well.” Gratitude not only acknowledges God’s blessings but also positions us to receive even more of His favour. 
- Luke 17:19: "Then He said to him, 'Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'"

c) Gratitude Brings Peace (Colossians 3:15)
When we are thankful, God’s peace rules in our hearts. Gratitude helps us to trust in God’s plan and rest in His peace, even in the midst of uncertainty.

- Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

CONCLUSION
Living a life of gratitude is not dependent on our circumstances; it is a decision we make to acknowledge God’s goodness in every situation. Gratitude changes our perspective, strengthens our faith, and brings us closer to God. When we cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving, we live in alignment with God’s will and experience His peace, joy, and favour. Today, choose to live a life of gratitude, and watch how it transforms your heart and your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, give me a heart of gratitude in every season of life.

2. Father, help me to see Your blessings in every situation.

3. Lord, forgive me for times when I’ve complained and failed to be thankful.

4. Father, teach me to trust You more and be content with what I have.

5. Lord, let my life be a reflection of gratitude and thanksgiving to You.

6. Father, in difficult times, help me to praise You and not lose faith.

7. Lord, fill my heart with joy and peace as I live a life of gratitude.

8. Father, may my words always reflect thankfulness and build others up.

9. Lord, help me to remember all You have done and strengthen my faith through gratitude.

10. Father, let my attitude of thanksgiving open doors for Your favour in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that a spirit of gratitude will overflow in your life.

2. I decree that your heart will be filled with thanksgiving in all circumstances.

3. I declare that your faith will be strengthened as you live a life of gratitude.

4. I decree that joy will be your portion as you focus on God’s blessings.

5. I declare that every complaining spirit is silenced in your life.

6. I decree that God’s peace will rule in your heart as you give thanks in every situation.

7. I declare that doors of favour will open for you as you express gratitude to God.

8. I decree that your life will be a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

9. I declare that you will find contentment and satisfaction in God’s provision.

10. I decree that your heart will always reflect the goodness of God through thanksgiving.