God created us in an awe-inspiring, magnificent world. He made sure we would not be alone, but have relationships with others. He made us able to appreciate the wisdom of His creation. The melody, texture, fragrance, flavor and spectacle of it impresses each of us. Our rebellion against His love gave Him the supreme opportunity to express it to us in a way we could understand. He did this by entering our world, wearing our flesh and bearing our curse. He has every right to complain: “They know about God, but they don’t honor him or even thank him.” (Romans 1:21) Instead, to those “…that refused to worship me, I said, ‘Here I am!’ All day long I have reached out to stubborn and sinful people going their own way.” (Isaiah 65:1b,2) and “…I will always love you; that’s why I’ve been so patient and kind.” (Jeremiah 31:3) He loved you enough not to leave you “living in this world without hope and without God.” (Ephesians 2:12)

Three big thoughts can help transform your thanksgiving and how you give thanks to God...

Acknowledge that God gives us everything we have

God is always reminding us that He doesn’t see us the way others do. He looks at the heart. It’s when our loyalty is divided that we fail to trust God. God wants us to trust that He’ll provide what we need. “What is so special about you? What do you have that you were not given? And if it was given to you, how can you brag?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Remember that God created us for His Glory.

The “wonderful plan” is for us. But it isn’t about us. Jesus Himself is the center of God’s plan. “They are my people — I created each of them to bring honor to me.” (Isaiah 43:7). “And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “'Jesus Christ is Lord!'” (Philippians 2:11) Jesus came to save us so that we can live for Him: “He died so we would no longer live for ourselves, but for the one who died and was raised to life for us.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)

Recognize that God does everything for our sake.

If God’s purpose is so much bigger than me, does it mean that He doesn’t care if I suffer, as long as His bigger purpose is accomplished? No. It means that He’s willing to delay what He wants: which is you and me, “to be with me, [Jesus] wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me” (John 17:24). God wants us to be patient because He is patient (2 Peter 3:15). He’s patient because He wants not just us but “everyone to be saved and to know the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

A passage in 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:20 puts it all together. Even life’s struggles are meant to show His power and our faith. We have much to look forward to: “All of this has been done for you, so that more and more people will know how kind God is and will praise and honor him.” (2 Corinthians 4:15). If we have nothing and can do nothing without Him, if our whole purpose is making the most of Him, and if His whole purpose is what is best for us, we truly can give heartfelt thanks to God, no matter what happens.