To Be Happy, Cover These 4 Bases of Thankfulness (Part 1)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalms 100:4, 5
Want to be happy? Be thankful!
Thankfulness for physical and material possessions or capabilities promotes humility, faith, contentment, and generosity – all of which are fundamental to happiness. Welcome to our four-part journey into the heart of thankfulness. Today, we kick off our exploration by focusing on something we often take for granted: the tangible blessings in our lives. Get ready to discover how a grateful perspective can make you happy by transforming your appreciation for everything from the roof over your head to the very breath in your lungs!
Thankfulness for Physical/Material Possessions or Capabilities
The Bible consistently encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for all aspects of their lives, including their physical well-being and material provisions. This thankfulness is not merely a polite sentiment but a foundational aspect of a healthy spiritual, emotional, physical, social life, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and sustainer.
All material possessions are gifts from God, intended for our enjoyment, and should lead to gratitude rather than pride, misplaced hope, or being swiftly forgotten. Similarly, Philippians 4:19 assures you that “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This reinforces the idea of divine provision that warrants thanksgiving.
Beyond material possessions, the Bible also emphasizes gratitude for our physical capabilities and the very gift of life. Psalm 139:14 expresses profound thanks for being “fearfully and wonderfully made,” acknowledging the intricate design of the human body as a testament to God’s creative power. Take a moment to study your hands: your unique fingerprints, your nails, your knuckles, your veins, your skin color.
You are blessed with senses, an ability to move, to work, and to experience the world around you. Every breath, every heartbeat, and every functioning organ can be seen as a gift worthy of praise. Colossians 3:17 broadens this perspective, stating, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse implies that even our daily activities and the capabilities that enable them should be performed with a grateful heart.
Your act of giving thanks for physical and material blessings serves several important spiritual functions. It:
- shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have
- fosters contentment and reducing covetousness
- flexes your faith by reminding you of God’s faithfulness and provision, even in challenging times
- creates a generous heart, as recognizing God’s generosity towards us can inspire us to share our blessings with others.
“Be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
Truly, thankfulness for physical and material possessions or capabilities is a fundamental aspect of biblical teaching, promoting humility, faith, contentment, and generosity. So if you’re ready to be happy, be truly thankful!
CTA:
- Consider the puzzle graphic above and the short list on it. List three physical attributes that you’ve never thanked God for.
- Challenge 2 people in your life to do the same.