Being Thankful in All Things

Are you thankful no matter what? Scripture gives us a powerful example in a man who had every earthly reason not to be grateful—yet chose thanksgiving anyway.

Picture Paul in a Roman prison: Cold stone floor. No sanitation. Open wounds. Rats scurrying in the dark. Iron chains cutting into his skin. The next footsteps could be the guards coming to execute him. If anyone had a right to complain, it was Paul.

And yet... his cell rang with praise.

In that harsh place he wrote,

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.” —Ephesians 5:20

Think of it—in everything give thanks (1 Thess. 5:18).
Not after the storm passes.
Not when life feels good again.
But in the middle of it.

For Paul, thanksgiving wasn’t seasonal—it was his lifestyle, and it protected his joy in every circumstance.

Ingratitude hardens the spirit and blinds us to God’s goodness.
Luke 17 gives us a perfect example: Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. The others walked away healed, but unchanged.

Today we see the same pattern.
Courtesy fades. Blessings get overlooked.
And far too often, we forget to thank God.

Romans 1:21 warns that an ungrateful heart drifts from God.
Thankfulness, on the other hand, draws us toward Him.

Why Thankfulness Matters

1. It reminds us of God’s provision.

Everything we have is from Him (1 Chron. 29:14).
Gratitude teaches contentment—something Paul learned deeply (Phil. 4:12).

2. It softens our hearts toward people.

Even imperfect people deserve our gratitude (1 Cor. 1:4).
Paul thanked God for believers he had never met because their presence encouraged him.

3. It strengthens us in trials.

James says to “consider it joy” in hardship.
Daniel thanked God even when the lions were waiting.
We can too—because He is with us.

4. It keeps salvation at the center.

The greatest reason to give thanks is Christ Himself.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” —2 Cor. 9:15

5. It reminds us that God is always with us.

Jesus promised,

“I am with you always.” —Matthew 28:20

Gratitude helps us notice His presence every day.

Living With a Thankful Heart



Thanksgiving may be one day on the calendar, but for the believer, it’s meant to be every day.
Not because life is easy—but because God is faithful.

Paul learned to give thanks in a prison cell.
A healed leper gave thanks at Jesus’ feet.
Daniel thanked God with lions waiting.

And you can thank Him today—right where you are.

Let gratitude soften your heart, steady your spirit, and reshape your perspective.
A thankful heart changes everything.