Over the years, I've learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can worship or I can whine!

When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there's a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.

Are you a grateful person? It ought to be a way of life. But in the reality of our daily comings and goings, it's much easier to be discontent, to complain, criticize, or even to be bitter.

Cultivating a thankful heart will result in speaking thankful words. But it may require a little practice! Why not start the habit by devoting an entire week to practicing thankfulness?

Day 1

Read a chapter from the book of Colossians. You'll find at least one reference to thankfulness in every chapter of this wonderful book. Write down all of them that you find.

Day 2

Before we can express our gratitude, we must take time to recognize and identify the specific blessings that we have received from God and others. Make a list of all the material and spiritual blessings you can think of that God has given you. Then stop and thank Him for each item on your list.

Day 3

Focus on expressing gratitude to and for your family members. Write down each of their names plus one quality about their life you're particularly grateful for. Take time to thank God for each member of the family He's given you—especially the difficult ones to love. Then pick three individuals from your list to whom you can express gratitude today, either in person, by phone, or by means of a note.

Day 4

Have you ever thanked those people in your life who've blessed or touched you in some way? Write down their names, and begin to think of ways to express your gratitude.

Day 5

Call or write three people on the list you made yesterday. Express your gratitude for their influence and ministry in your life.

Day 6

Paul instructed the Ephesian believers to "give thanks always for all things." Ask yourself this probing question: “If tomorrow’s supply depended on today’s thanksgiving, how much would I have tomorrow?” As you go through today, try to consciously thank God for all things . . . small or big!

Day 7

Maybe there are some people in your life you're not thankful for—or circumstances where it's not easy to be thankful. Make a list of those people or situations. Then, as an expression of faith and obedience say, "Lord, I choose to give You thanks for_______and _______, which You may never give me the privilege of understanding." By doing this, you're acknowledging that God is the "Blessed Controller" of everything that touches your life.

A grateful man or woman is a breath of fresh air in a world contaminated by bitterness and discontentment. As you make a lifetime habit of giving thanks, you'll discover the whole world looks different when you learn to see it through eyes of thankfulness!

Want to develop an attitude of gratitude in your own life? Start right now by sharing seven things that you're thankful for.

Used with permission by Global Media Outreach from Revive Our Hearts.  You can read Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's original blog here: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/blog/week-thanksgiving/