“Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples.â€�¹

Our struggle to have it all usually begins with the state of our hearts. Ever since we were children, we have been dreaming of our perfect lives. We set out to make our dreams come true by chasing after what we know will make us happy â€" a good job, someone to love, a place to call home â€" and we believe that if we are good enough and try hard enough and are good-looking enough, then we will actually be enough. The story continually seems to say, “If you get what you want, you will be happy.â€�  But this really isn't true, is it?

Children get asked every year around this time, “What are you thankful for?â€� The answers are always the same â€" family, food, toys, friends, etc. â€" their gratitude is simple. I think that if we learned to give thanks with a grateful heart, we would find that the simple things are actually quite fulfilling!

A person laying in a hospital bed might be grateful that they feel better today than yesterday. A homeless person might be grateful that it is warmer today. A student might feel grateful that there isn’t so much homework tonight. A wife and mother might feel grateful that her family is all seated together for dinner, and a husband and father might feel grateful that he was able to provide for his family this week. Whatever the circumstance, there is always something to be grateful for!

Give thanks with a grateful heart,

 Give thanks to the Holy One,

 Give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

 And now, let the weak say, “I am strongâ€�,

 Let the poor say, “I am richâ€�,

 because of what the Lord has done for us!

Give Thanks!²

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, our earthly desires pale in comparison to what you have in store for those who have accepted your Son as their Lord and Savior. Thank you for what you have given me. Please give me a grateful heart so that I will be thankful for even the simplest things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. 1 Chronicles 16:8 (CSB).

2. “Give Thanks� by Don Moen.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.