Bible Scriptures About Being Grateful
A nice car, financial freedom, a home, family, friends, vacations, a job… All these are things to be grateful for. And rightfully so! The list can actually go on and on.
Hey… with the crazy cost of living these days, most of us find joy with just being able to cover our bills each month! Or simply being able to afford food. And this is perfectly fine as well!
Big or small, a blessing is a blessing. And what might be small for one may be a huge deal for another. All blessings deserve gratitude!
So we all have varying definitions of what is significant to us. And we all have different things to be grateful for! But what does God say? As children of the true and living God… what does He say?
At the very minimum, what are the things to be grateful for, according to the Word of God?
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Each person’s goals are different. So too are our priorities and the things that we put value on. For example; some prefer a stable 9-5 job, while others prefer entrepreneurship.
Some may choose to rent a budget apartment, while prioritizing travelling the world. Others may opt for a house with a huge mortgage, forfeiting the ability to travel, and be perfectly fine with it.
And then there’s most of us that are just happy to be able to put food on the table and keep our lights on. If that works out because of a temporary job, permanent post, side hustle or combination of all three… so be it. And to God be the glory!
Dear Gratitude Journal, I am Grateful for Everything!
Regardless of what we achieve, what we have or what we still wish for, we need to practice gratitude. We need to be thankful at all times, and for everything!
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Unfortunately, we have a tendency to forget certain small details. It’s human nature after all. These so happen to be the things that God wants us to put priority on.
Sadly, the things that we are grateful for are influenced by our personality traits, socioeconomic backgrounds, and specific situations. Not to mention how vulnerable we are to trends, consumerism and social media influencers trying to convince us that we need X,Y,Z …and the whole rest of the alphabet, to be considered cool kids today.
And tomorrow’s going to be something else! My oh my… it’s amazing how influencers have broadened the definition of a “need” over the past few years. Step aside food, shelter, love, clothing and education! We aren’t grateful for these anymore!
We now need: “likes” and attention on social media, brand new cars, luxury brands, expensive lotions and serums, frequent spa and beauty treatments, shopping hauls, houses we can barely afford, plus routine remodelling of those same houses, costly gadgets that need upgrading annually…
The list never ends! Neither does the associated price of the items on the list!
Is this what we are grateful for these days? Are these the things that are the center of our focus? Are these the only things worth highlighting in our gratitude journals? That’s all?! Are we that shallow and flaky?
Unfortunately… that’s what we’ve now come to! We’ve simmered down to a society of attention seeking and selfish people. And anyone who kicks against this lifestyle… they’re just jealous or “a hater”.
How rotten and embarrassing have we become! The Bible did warn us!
Things to Be Grateful For – Warning! (2 Timothy 3:1-7)
“In the last days there will be difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.
They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.
Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.”
Ummm… did the Bible warn us about social media and the dangers of influencers? I think it did! An entire section of scripture, absolutely on point. It’s too accurate to ignore. We better check ourselves!
If the extent of our gratitude pivots on what the world perceives to be worthy of gratitude, this is a terrible approach.
Our happiness at any given point cannot be that volatile and fragile! Hanging by a thread and based on the next piece of trendy merch or asset that we acquire. Even though we are thankful in all circumstances and for everything, we need to be better than this.
Can we enjoy the finer things in life, without becoming susceptible to greed and selfish desires? Can we appreciate material wealth (to a safe extent), along with the luxury that is life, good health, fresh air and freedom.
Can we be grateful for physical possessions and opportunities, without idolizing them? Can we take a moment to be grateful for Jesus Christ and salvation? How about God’s mercy and His faithfulness?
Let’s examine what the Word of God says about gratitude, and capture the things to be grateful for, as a believer and follower of Christ. The things that we should truly be prioritizing!
Let these scriptures about being grateful be our guide. Hopefully you get some more substantial additions for your gratitude journal with these.
Things to Be Grateful For According to the Bible Verses on Being Grateful
Here are some deeper, more meaningful things to be grateful for, along with the corresponding Bible verses. If you haven’t considered these before, I hope they speak to your heart!
1. Be Grateful for Everything
God created everything for a purpose. They are all interconnected and intended for good… Especially for His children. We must be thankful for everything!
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with Thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Ephesians 5:20
“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. Be Grateful for Difficult Times
In times of difficulty our faith is tested and we become stronger, tougher and more resilient. Challenges are good!
James 1:2-3
“Count it all joy, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
3. Show Gratitude for God’s Unwavering Love & Goodness
God’s love for us, and His people, is never ending. There is no limit to His goodness! How amazing is this?!
Psalm 100:1-5
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! …
…Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!
For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 106:1
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!”
4. Be Grateful for God’s Consistency & Faithfulness
God’s love and grace does not change. Just as He was faithful to Jacob and David, thousands of years ago, He is faithful to us today. And will always be.
Malachi 3:6
“I am the Lord, and I do not change.”
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
5. Express Gratitude for God’s Accessibility via Prayer
God is just a prayer away and it is our right, as His children, to talk to Him at any time. We can bring all our concerns to Him, whenever we wish. How comforting is this!
Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
6. Be Grateful for the Support of Our Family in Christ
We are all parts of one body in Christ. We take care of each other and we live in harmony.
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
1 Corinthians 12:12
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”
7. Be Grateful to God for Giving Us All Things Good
God created everything, including all things that are considered good in the conventional sense. Thank God for blessing us with good things!
James 1:17
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.”
8. Be Grateful for Opportunities for Financial Success & Material Wealth
God opens up opportunities for us to become successful. Life is a blessing, so too is health, strength, knowledge, resources and everything else that we need to earn a living and be prosperous.
Deuteronomy 8:18
“Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”
9. Be Grateful for Our Blessing of Spiritual Power and Authority
We have the God given power and authorization to come against any evil works. We are conquerors in the name of Jesus! The devil is defeated!
Matthew 16:19
“And I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
Luke 10:19
“Look, I have given you authority over all power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
10. Be Grateful for God’s Protection
As long as we obey God, we have His protection. That’s a great deal!
Psalm 91
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty…”
11. Show Gratitude for Salvation Through Christ (Eternal Life)
Because of sin, we were cursed to die. But because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we have salvation. Thank you God!
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
13. Be Grateful for God’s Guidance
We are never alone. God is always with us, guiding us through every phase of life. Thank God for this!
Colossians 2:6-7
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk with Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
14. Be Grateful for Peace of Mind
Thank you Lord for the gift of peace of mind! Only God’s presence in our lives can give this level of comfort.
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
15. Show Gratitude For God’s Might
The power of our God is unmatched! And we can stand confidently as His children.
Hebrews 12:28
“Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
16. Express Gratitude for God’s Generosity
Our God is gracious and generous. We must be grateful for His countless blessings.
Psalm 9:1
“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
17. Be Grateful for God’s Help
We should only be dependent on God. And we can count on His help when we are in need!
Psalm 121:1-2
“I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
18. Be Grateful for the Guarantee of Success
Victory is guaranteed to come our way, because of God’s plan and Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 15:56-57
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
19. Be Grateful to God for Breaking Generational Curses
Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Thanks to Him, generational curses that come from sin are now broken.
Galatians 3:13
“But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law.”
20. Show Gratitude Because of God’s Sovereignty
God is worthy of all praise, just because of the unrivalled office that He holds. He is King of kings and Lord of lords… He deserves our gratitude.
1 Chronicles 29:13
“We thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”
21. Be Grateful for the Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a precious gift that God has given to us, to support us in various ways.
Romans 5:5
“For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
Romans 8:26
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.”
22. Be Grateful for God’s Righteousness
God is good, just and honorable! He is worthy of our gratitude for possessing these traits.
Psalm 7:17
“I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”
23. Be Grateful for Knowledge
Thanks to God for the spreading of the gospel of Christ, and the associated knowledge which has been shared with us. Thanks to God for formal educational opportunities and the ability to learn as well.
2 Corinthians 2:14
“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of knowledge of Him everywhere.”
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
24. Be Grateful for God’s Gift of Wisdom
God blessed us with the ability to exercise good judgement and to make wise decisions.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given.”
25. Be Grateful for Special Spiritual Gifts
God rewards us with various spiritual gifts such as supernatural knowledge, healing, prophesy, working miracles, etc. They are distributed according to His will.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone…”
26. Show Gratitude for God’s Timing and His Plan
God has a plan for our lives and His plan is perfect. Trust in Him and be grateful for His plan!
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Isaiah 55:9
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
27. Be Grateful for Jesus Christ’s Mediation
We can be grateful that we no longer need the services of a high priest and a sacrifice in order to communicate with God.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can pray directly to God the Father. He is our direct connection to God.
John 14:6
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jesus)
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
28. Be Grateful for Christ’s Example & the Challenge to Improve
We can be grateful to have Jesus as a role model, and take pattern with Christ-like behavior. God challenges us to be perfect so that we can strive to become the best version of ourselves.
Matthew 5:48
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
1 John 2:6
“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”
29. Be Grateful for Forgiveness & Redemption
We must be grateful for forgiveness and opportunities for a fresh start. This is not limited to just spiritual redemption. Of course, we are definitely grateful to God for this!
However, practicing forgiveness is a godly trait that must be applied to how we treat other people as well. And it will be reciprocated for our benefit also.
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
30. Express Gratitude for God’s Wisdom
God shows His infinite wisdom each and every day with how He manages our lives and surrounding affairs. Additionally, one of the greatest displays of His wisdom was His salvation plan for us, through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
1 Corinthians 1:24
“Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
31. Thank God for Strength & Courage
With the supernatural strength and courage that God has blessed us with, we cannot be intimidated by anything. How amazing is it that we can stand bravely in any situation! Thank you Jesus!
Philippians 4:13
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
32. Be Grateful for Freedom
Through the power and works of God, we are truly free! Physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually!
Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
33. Be Grateful for Miracles
There is nothing too big or too small that our God can’t do. He is a miracle working God!
Matthew 19:26
“With God all things are possible.”
Psalm 77:14
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”
34. Be Grateful for God Satisfying Our Needs
God will always provide for His children. We can rest assured that our needs will always be met.
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…”
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
35. Show Gratitude for Being Able to Give and Bless Others
God blessed us with more than we need so that we can be a blessing to others. By our giving, God will be glorified.
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
36. Be Grateful for Life
We must be thankful for the gift of life and the opportunity to see a new day. This is only possible because of God!
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
37. Express Gratitude for Relationships (Friends & Family)
We must be thankful for our relationships… friends and family! We must treat each other with respect, show appreciation and put value on the people closest to us.
Proverbs 23:25
“Let your father and mother be glad”
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (husbands and wives)
Psalms 127:3
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.”
Proverbs 27:9
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
38. Be Grateful for Resistance & Resilience
We have the power to resist temptation. We will never be tempted beyond what we can endure. Thank you God for blessing us with the capacity to resist! And for shielding us from being exposed beyond our limits.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
39. Show Gratitude for Spiritual Revival
Thank you Lord for reminding us of your power and our priorities in this life! We are grateful for having the option to return to you dear God, if we have been distracted and foolishly strayed away. Thank you for restoring us!
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
Bonus: Be Grateful for the Word of God
Dear Gratitude Journal, today I am especially grateful for the Word of God! Thank you Lord for giving us the Bible, to be used as a tool to bring about guidance and clarity to life! I am truly grateful!
Frequently Asked Questions for Things to Be Grateful For
FAQ: What are some things I’m grateful for?
Just off the top of your head, we can be thankful for: life, food, shelter, laughter, happiness, friends, family, love, special possessions, and the list can go on and on. On a deeper, more spiritual level, we must be grateful for: God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, the gift of eternal life, God’s companionship, His power, generosity, grace, forgiveness, and much more.
FAQ: What are the 4 A’s of gratitude?
The Four A’s of Gratitude are: Attention, Acknowledgement, Appreciation and Action. As long as you highlight the good things in your life, using the Four A’s of Gratitude, your overall attitude would be a more positive one. This is a simple approach to making life more enjoyable.
FAQ: What is Gratitude 3 Things a Day?
The “Three Good Things” exercise is a common activity that persons can participate in to promote emotional well-being, general positivity and an improved attitude towards life. Simply write down three good things daily, regardless of how major or minor they may seem.
This practice highlights your good experiences, and prioritizes positivity.
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Final Thoughts on Gratitude in the Bible
I hope these Bible verses on being grateful touched your heart. They aren’t intended to replace the things that you are already grateful for, but to supplement them.
Be sure you pay attention to all your spiritual blessings and the gifts that God has to offer you, as opposed to what the world is trying to sell you. God’s love and the gift of salvation is absolutely free. So we better appreciate it!
As much as tangible accomplishments should be celebrated, they should never eclipse God’s spiritual gifts and blessings. Strike a balance and let’s truly be grateful for everything!
Do you have any comments regarding the things to be grateful for, that we discussed? What scriptures do you recommend? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!
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