3 Simple Preparations for A Thankful Heart

It’s all too easy for a heart of thankfulness to fade during the daily concerns of life or when going through tough times. Still scripture offers simple directives in how to prepare my heart towards an attitude of gratefulness.

1. Keeping Alert

Even in prayer it’s easy to be weighed down with the concerns and needs of so many struggling with losses, sickness, and more. Yet Colossians 4:2 encourages me to devote myself to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving, reminding me of the importance of thankfulness in my prayers.

Including this in prayer for serious concerns can be as simple as thanking God for His faithfulness, comfort, presence, and peace in these challenges, remembering that He never leaves me or forsakes me (Hebrews 13:5), is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and that I can cast all my anxiety on Him (1 Peter 5:7).

2. Giving in Every Situation

Giving thanks in everything can seem like a hard task to accomplish at times, especially in difficult circumstances. Even so, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 directs me to make this choice.

One way I remember our family living this out was when my husband’s job ended rather abruptly at a church. As an unexpected loss we felt disappointed in the situation, along with combating the uncertainty associated with the loss of income.

Since our four daughters were all young at the time, we looked to express it in a way they would understand and could be involved in, which resulted in baking a “thankfulness” cake.

Looking back, this simple act really did help to set the tone to make a difference in our overall outlook during this crisis.

3. Singing It Out

Music has the capability to speak deeply into my life and Colossians 3:16 encourages me to let the word of Christ richly dwell within me through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in my heart to God.

I’ve discovered it’s beneficial to include music that encourages my Christian faith and walk as an active part of my life, especially since it’s too easy to get caught up in daily difficulties and lose a grateful mindset.

One way music has been especially helpful to me through the years is by playing a particular song over-and-over again in repetition, one that seems at the time to relate to the situation I’m going through, allowing the words and melody to minister to me.

Being Prepared 

Colossians 3:17 encourages me to do everything in word and action for Jesus with an attitude of thankfulness to God. By keeping alert, giving it in all situations, and singing it out, I’m moving in the right direction in cultivating a heart of thankfulness.