Thanksgiving is woven into Scripture as an essential part of worship and daily life. Verse after verse, it urges us to focus on God’s goodness and provision, even when facing a tough time.
But let’s face it.
It’s not easy finding things to be thankful for when life is beating us down.
Thankfully (no pun intended), we can learn to foster a spirit of gratitude in every season. It’ll just take a little persistence on your part, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.
In this episode (or blog post if podcasts aren’t your thing) I’ll answer…
- What is thankful in the Bible and why is it so important to God?
- How many times is thankful in the Bible?
- What’s the difference between thankful and grateful?
- Where can we find thankful examples in the Bible?
- How we can learn to foster an attitude of gratitude, no matter what we’re going through.
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How Many Times is Thankful in the Bible
The word thankful and its variations — such as thanks, thanksgiving, and give thanks — appear numerous times throughout the Bible.
While the exact number can vary slightly depending on the Bible translation, thanks and its related terms occur over 150 times.
And since all scripture is God-breathed, this consistent command demonstrates just how important developing a thankful heart is for us.
From the Old Testament Psalms to the New Testament letters of Paul, we find constant reminders to thank God for His provision, protection, and faithfulness.
The frequency of the word thankful in the Bible reveals that gratitude is foundational to our relationship with God. It shouldn’t be just an occasional practice, but a regular part of our faith walk; helping us to keep our focus on God’s goodness, even when everything around us feels like it’s falling apart.
By cultivating a spirit of thankfulness, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and recognize that every blessing — big or small — comes from His hand. Gratitude strengthens our faith, fosters peace, and helps us see how God is working in our lives, even when our prayers have yet to be answered.
What’s the Difference between Thankful and Grateful in the Bible
In the Bible, the terms thankful and grateful are often used interchangeably, but they carry slightly different meanings.
Being thankful refers to expressing appreciation for specific blessings, actions, or gifts. It’s a response to receiving something from God.
For example, Psalm 107:1 says,
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” NIV
In this verse, thankfulness is a direct acknowledgment of God’s goodness and loving acts. Thankfulness in the Bible often comes with specific expressions, such as praise, worship, or spoken words of thanks.
On the other hand, the word grateful carries a deeper, more enduring sense of appreciation that goes beyond the immediate acknowledgment of blessings.
Gratefulness can be seen as a state of the heart — a consistent attitude of appreciation for God’s presence, grace, and provision in our daily lives.
While thankfulness is typically tied to a particular event or gift, gratefulness reflects an overall posture of recognizing God’s constant goodness, regardless of circumstances.
This distinction is important in our faith, as it teaches us to not only give thanks for specific blessings but also to cultivate a continual spirit of gratitude, trusting God in both good times and in bad.
Why is Giving Thanks So Important
Practicing gratitude offers both spiritual and psychological benefits. It helps us make a positive impact in our lives and the lives of others.
Rather than dwelling on the hard things we’re going through, it helps us see God’s blessings, no matter what’s going on.
According to a study by Harvard University, when we learn to foster a spirit of gratefulness, we also enjoy better mental and physical health. A daily practice of thankfulness lowers our blood pressure and heart rate, creating a stronger immune system.
Fostering a grateful heart also draws us into a deeper relationship with God; allowing us to recognize and appreciate the blessing He provides; strengthening our faith in His goodness.
When we make a conscious effort to thank God for both the small things and the large blessings in our lives, we gain a fresh perspective. It fills our hearts with peace, resilience, and hope, something we desperately need when everything around us feels so out of control.
Creating a habit of thanking God helps us cultivate an attitude of gratitude. It becomes a powerful way to see God’s blessings and work in our lives, even when our circumstances feel impossible.
What Does the Word “Psalm” Mean in the Bible
The word “Psalm” comes from the Hebrew word Mizmor, meaning “a musical piece, typically in praise of God.”
The Book of Psalms is more than just words. They’re expressions of worship designed to be sung as a form of reverent gratitude. This musical element extends to the Greek word Psallo, which means “to sing” or “to make melody on the strings of the harp.”
When we’re called to “make melody in our hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19), it signifies that our hearts become the instrument of praise; harmonizing our words, thoughts, and emotions to create a song of gratitude toward God.
In The Book of Mysteries, Jonathan Cahn writes, “Your heart was never made to produce bitterness, hatred, anxiety or gloom. It was made to be an instrument that makes the melody to the One who created it, the melody of praise and thanksgiving, the music of love, worship and joy.”
Cahn continues to say,
“And as a harp has highs and lows, so too does your life and your heart. And you’re to praise Him in all of it and with all of it.”
In other words, we’re to praise God in all things and at all times.
This act of making melody with our hearts serves as a reminder of how deep and personal our gratitude to God should be.
What Are Thankful Examples in the Bible: An Act of Worship
In the Bible, giving thanks isn’t just a polite response to blessings. It’s an intentional act of worship that recognizes God’s role in every aspect of our lives.
Gratitude in biblical terms is an expression that comes from the heart and acknowledges God as the ultimate source of every good thing.
In James 1:17, we’re reminded that
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” NIV
This perspective on giving thanks places God at the center of our gratitude, humbling us as we realize that all we have — our health, families, opportunities, and even the breath in our lungs — is a gift from Him.
To give thanks biblically is more than simply saying thank you. It involves approaching God with a heart overflowing with appreciation, reverence, and trust.
This heartfelt gratitude becomes an act of worship that honors God for His faithfulness and steadfast love. Throughout Scripture, giving thanks is often paired with worship.
For instance, in Psalm 95:2 we’re given a beautiful invitation,
“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to him with psalms.” NIV
Here, giving thanks is the act of coming near to God and entering His presence with a heart fully engaged in worship.
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Thankful Examples in the Bible: shouts of praise
In the Bible, giving thanks is frequently expressed through music and song, emphasizing the joy and reverence that gratitude brings. Songs of thanksgiving were sung by God’s people throughout the Old Testament, especially in moments of deliverance and provision.
When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they sang a song of thanks to God for rescuing them from their enemies (Exodus 15). This song wasn’t just a celebration of victory. It was an acknowledgment that God was their protector and provider; the One to whom they owed everything.
In the New Testament, we see thanksgiving deeply embedded in the early church’s worship and communal life. Paul’s letters are filled with exhortations to give thanks, as he encourages believers to let their prayers and lives be marked by gratitude. (According to the Oxford Dictionary, exhortation means: an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.)
In Colossians 3:16, Paul states, “
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” NLT
This practice of giving thanks isn’t limited to individual prayer but becomes a shared expression of faith; drawing us closer to God as we unite in gratitude and praise.
By making thanksgiving a core part of our praise and worship, we see the role gratitude plays in glorifying God. It helps us to shift our focus from our needs to His sufficiency.
Each act of thanks and worship — whether spoken, sung, or prayer — reaffirms that God is worthy of our praise. It demonstrates that He is deserving of our heartfelt gratitude.
By cultivating a thankful heart, it invites us to surrender our lives back to Him; acknowledging that every blessing comes from His hand.
Giving thanks becomes a means of aligning our hearts with God’s will, strengthening our faith as we worship and place our trust in His eternal goodness and grace.
thankful examples in the bible: An Act of Trust
As I mentioned above, giving thanks to God is an intentional practice that goes beyond mere words. It’s a heartfelt expression of our faith in His goodness and provision, even when we have a bad day.
By giving thanks, we acknowledge that every blessing, big or small, is a testament to His love and faithfulness. This gratitude is particularly powerful because it often requires us to recognize God’s grace, even when we feel unworthy or are enduring life’s challenges.
To thank God in these moments is to…
- see beyond our circumstances.
- believe that He’s actively working for our good (even when we can’t see it).
- find joy in His presence despite the difficulties we’re facing.
In the Bible, gratitude toward God is shown as an act of deep trust.
When we thank God, we’re not only appreciating the blessings He’s given us, but also trusting Him for what we hope to see.
Giving thanks is an act of faith, especially in seasons of uncertainty. It declares that we believe in God’s ultimate wisdom and goodness, even when we can’t see a way through.
Another beautiful thankful example in the Bible is illustrated in the life of Job. Despite his unimaginable loss, Job chose to thank and bless God, saying,
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 NKJV
Job’s gratitude in the midst of his pain and suffering shows that giving thanks is a true act of surrender and trust. He reminds us that God’s love is constant, no matter what we’re going through.
When we make giving thanks to God a regular practice, it transforms our outlook and strengthens our relationship with Him.
Thankful Examples in the Bible: Contentment and Joy
A heart of thankfulness shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided; fostering a spirit of contentment and joy.
This shift helps us see our lives through the lens of God’s faithfulness, recognizing His hand in every area — our families, careers, health, and even the quiet, everyday moments — that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Creating an attitude of gratefulness keeps our hearts aligned with God’s goodness, recognizing blessings that we may not have seen before.
Additionally, giving thanks to God is deeply personal and spiritual.
It’s a time when we come before God, not only with our needs but also with a genuine appreciation for who He is. Thanksgiving fosters an intimacy with God as we pour out our hearts in appreciation, drawing us closer to Him and filling us with a sense of His presence.
This intimacy brings a joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances, but rooted in the awareness of His unfailing love.
As Psalm 16:11 teaches us,
“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” NLT
When we thank God, it opens our hearts to this joy. It allows us to experience the peace and contentment that only He can provide.
Ultimately, fostering a grateful heart becomes a lifestyle that creates a deep and meaningful connection with our Father.
It helps us to focus on His faithfulness, celebrate His blessings, and rely on His grace through every season.
By making thanksgiving an ongoing part of our daily walk, we cultivate a heart that finds joy and peace in His presence. It fosters a confidence in the knowledge that our Father is with us always.
Where In the Bible Does it Talk About Being Thankful
The Bible is filled with thankful examples, emphasizing its importance in both the Old and New Testaments. From the Psalms to the letters of Paul, Scripture reminds us to express gratitude, not just when we’re presented with big blessings, but on a daily basis.
Although we could spend months listing all the thankful examples in the Bible, let’s talk about three of them below.
1. Thankful examples: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes,
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Paul makes a very important distinction when he encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances.
He doesn’t say we must be thankful FOR all circumstances. Rather he says be thankful IN all circumstances; showing us that gratitude isn’t only for the good times, but also the hard times.
Oh, don’t get me wrong.
It isn’t easy finding something to be grateful for when life is beating us down (ask me how I know this). But even in those moments we can turn to our Father and ask Him to open our eyes to the abundant blessings He has for us in the moment.
Creating a daily practice of gratitude draws us closer to God on a deeper level.
It helps us to see above our circumstances and teaches us to focus on the present moment, rather than feeling anxious about what’s to come.
2. Thankful examples: Psalm 107:1
The Book of Psalms is a beautiful collection of prayers, praises, and songs that express a range of emotions from deep gratitude to raw human struggles.
Known as the songbook of the Bible, the Psalms serve as powerful examples of how we can bring our hearts, no matter their state, before God.
These verses offer a model for thanksgiving that spans all of our experiences — from moments of abundance and joy to times of despair and longing.
One of the most prominent themes throughout the Book of Psalms is thanksgiving, expressed in songs that invite us to recognize God’s goodness and love.
Let’s go back to Psalm 107:1 where it says:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” NIV
What Does Psalm 107:1 Teach Us
This particular verse calls us to focus on God’s eternal qualities, remembering that His love doesn’t waver with our circumstances. It doesn’t fade with time.
Instead, it’s an ever-present reminder that God is the same in good times and in bad.
The invitation encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, where we pause to acknowledge God’s unwavering goodness, even on our busiest days.
In this particular verse, we see an ongoing narrative of thanksgiving that reveals God’s faithfulness across many situations.
The psalm recounts how God delivered His people from wandering in the desert, freed them from oppression, and healed them from sickness. Each story is followed by a song calling us to “give thanks to the Lord”.
This book reminds us that God’s love isn’t only timeless, but visible through His actions and care in every moment. It’s both a guide and an invitation; making it a beautiful place to begin.
It guides us to praise God for the blessings — like provision, healing, and protection. It invites us to make gratitude a natural part of our daily walk.
By doing so, we remain grounded in God’s goodness, able to draw strength and perspective from His unchanging love.
Whether life is smooth sailing or filled with challenges, the Psalms remind us that there is always reason to give thanks. It reinforces that God’s love is unchanging.
3. Thankful examples: Philippians 4:6
Thanksgiving should be a part of our everyday prayer life.
Creating a spirit of thankfulness helps us center our hearts on God’s goodness, regardless of our circumstances.
When we foster a thankful heart, prayer becomes more than just a list of needs or requests. It’s becomes a moment to connect with our Father, recognize His presence, and celebrate His continual care for us.
In Philippians 4:6, Paul encourages us with this practical advice saying,
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” NLT
What Does Philippians 4:6 Teach Us
This verse gives us two very powerful commands for our faith walk.
- Bring our needs — no matter how big or small — to God.
- Reflect on what He’s already done.
When we thank Him for His past faithfulness, we’re reminded of His ability to carry us through whatever we’re facing.
This balance of prayer and thanksgiving shifts our focus from our worries to His unchanging nature. It creates a sense of peace even in our fears and anxious thoughts.
Including gratitude in our prayers is an act of faith, acknowledging that God has already been at work in our lives and trusting that He will continue to do so.
By taking time to reflect on the blessings we’ve already received, we reaffirm His role as our provider, protector, and healer. By thanking our Father for what He’s done, we draw strength from His past blessings, reinforcing our trust in His continued care.
This gratitude, in turn, helps us to let go of our anxieties more easily. It allow us to experience His peace; a peace rooted in the confidence that He has everything under control.
In seasons of abundance, thanking God guards us against pride, reminding us that every good thing comes from His hand.
And in times of struggle, gratitude offers a lifeline of hope, shifting our hearts from fear to faith.
By thanking God, even for small blessings, we begin to notice His fingerprints throughout our day. It allows us to more easily release our worries into His capable hands, trusting that He knows what we need before we even ask.
Thankfulness Fosters Resilience
The Apostle Paul teaches us that incorporating thanksgiving into our daily prayers fosters a resilient faith.
It builds a relationship of deep trust and dependence, where we recognize that God’s care is constant.
As we practice gratitude, we start to see prayer not just as a moment to ask of Him, but as an opportunity to dwell in His presence. It shows us how important it is to find comfort in His faithful love and provision.
Who Was Thankful In the Bible
From the Old Testament to the New, we find examples of men and women who demonstrated great thankfulness and praise to our Father.
Let’s take a moment to unpack a few of those now.
1. David’s Thankful Example in Tough Times
As we’ve already mentioned, David’s Psalms are filled with thanksgiving no matter what he was facing.
In Psalm 34:1, David states,
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” NLT
This declaration of gratitude is a powerful thankful example. It teaches us how praise can be a simple, yet effective way to foster a positive mindset, even in hardship.
David’s life was filled with both triumphs and trials. Yet he chose to continually lift up God’s name, refusing to let circumstances dictate his worship.
In moments of danger, such as when he fled from Saul or faced opposition, David’s gratitude served as an anchor for his soul. It kept him focused on God’s faithfulness rather than the struggles surrounding him.
This consistent gratitude didn’t come from a life free of trouble, but from a heart that trusted God’s presence and provision at all times.
David not only praised God in good times; his gratitude extended into tough times as well; demonstrating that strength comes from expressing gratitude daily.
By choosing to praise God “at all times,” David exemplifies the sustaining power of thankfulness. He teaches us that gratitude can bring peace and resilience, especially when life feels overwhelming.
2. Paul’s Thankful Examples Through His Letters
Paul’s letters are filled with expressions of gratitude, reflecting a life centered on appreciation and trust in God, regardless of the situation.
Let’s go back to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, mentioned above when Paul reminded us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NLT
Despite enduring hardship, imprisonment, and opposition, Paul continually chose gratitude. It became a daily routine that shaped his mental health and resilience.
This practice wasn’t merely a habit but a source of strength and encouragement, allowing him to find peace in every circumstance.
By expressing thanks “in all circumstances,” Paul demonstrates that gratitude can completely change our perspective. It encourages us to rise above negative feelings and adopt a more hopeful outlook.
His letters demonstrate that gratitude isn’t only a response when everything is going great, but also a powerful choice in adversity. It fosters faith and joy even when at first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything to be thankful for.
Paul’s thankful examples encourage us to create a spirit of gratitude, realizing it can change the way we see our circumstances and draw us closer to God.
3. Jesus and the Gratitude of Multiplication
One of the most extraordinary examples of gratitude in the Bible is when Jesus gave thanks when performing the miracle of feeding the 5,000.
Before the miracle unfolded, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and gave thanks to God.
This act of gratitude, offered before the miracle even occurred, teaches us the importance of acknowledging God’s provision, even when what we have feels limited.
By thanking God for what seemed like an insufficient amount, Jesus demonstrated that true abundance starts with gratitude.
This moment of thanksgiving marked the beginning of a miraculous multiplication. Not only did it fulfill a significant need, it also blessed thousands. It served as a powerful demonstration of God’s provision, witnessed firsthand by all who were present.
Christ’s example teaches us that gratitude, even for the little things, can open doors to greater blessings.
This story encourages us to thank God for what we have — no matter how modest it may seem.
It shows that trusting our Father, even for the small blessings, can transform them into something abundant and impactful in our lives.
How to Foster An Attitude of Gratitude
Well this is all well and good, but cultivating a spirit of gratitude isn’t easy in a noisy, chaotic world, is it?
Let’s take a moment to discover three easy, but impactful daily actions that will create a grateful spirit.
1. Start a Gratitude Journal
Taking time to create a gratitude journal is a simple practice that can make a big difference in your daily outlook.
Reflecting on a list of things you’re thankful for helps you take the focus off your circumstances and put it back on God. Big or small, thanking God for what He provides will put you on the right track to a thankful heart.
Whether it’s clean water, good friends, your favorite food, or the recent success of a job interview, you’ll become more aware of God’s blessings throughout your day.
Writing them down allows you to pause and see God’s hand at work, even in the small details. This habit cultivates an attitude of gratitude, helping you appreciate the everyday gifts that can bring joy and perspective, no matter what’s going on.
2. Create a Regular Gratitude Practice
Make it a goal to set aside a specific time each day to thank God for the blessings in your life. This practice doesn’t have to be elaborate.
A thankful prayer to start your day can go a long way in helping you see the positive, even in the midst of chaos.
Oh, I get it.
Sometimes it’s tough to see the blessings God has peppered throughout your day when all you feel is negative emotions.
But cultivating a thankful heart is a lot like building a muscle.
You have to train yourself to see the good around you. You must get persistent and consistent in your pursuit of a grateful spirit.
And before you know it, you’ll soon find that you’re seeing those beautiful blessings in places you’ve overlooked in the past.
With each step of gratitude, your heart will become more attuned to God’s presence and goodness, transforming even ordinary moments into reminders of His love and faithfulness.
3. Practice Thankful Pauses Throughout the Day
Practicing thankful pauses throughout the day is another great way to cultivate a thankful heart.
Set a reminder on your phone and take a few moments throughout the day to stop, take a deep breath and thank God for something.
Whether it’s a meaningful conversation, a moment of rest, or a task completed, these moments of gratitude will foster a spirit of gratefulness in your own life.
Fostering a Grateful Heart: 3 Thankful Examples in the Bible
Incorporating a spirit of gratitude into our faith walk goes beyond just acknowledging blessings.
It’s about fostering an attitude of gratitude that’s evident in our relationship with God. Biblical gratitude teaches us to praise God, focusing on our hearts as the instruments that reflect our deepest gratitude.
We can express thanks to God in every moment of life. And by demonstrating a grateful heart, we just may inspire others to see God’s goodness too.
Let’s wrap up this lesson with this week’s podcast episode. Grab your favorite beverage and join me for, Fostering a Grateful Heart: 3 Thankful Examples in the Bible.
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:43 Why Giving Thanks to God is Important
- 07:26 Three Thankful Examples from the Bible
- 23:08 How to Cultivate a Daily Habit of Gratitude
- 28:00 Wrapping Up
[Check out everything mentioned in the video here.]
More Ways to Enjoy the Show
Would you rather listen to the audio? I got you, my friend. Just hit the play button below.
Mentioned in Today’s Video
A 4-Step Battle Plan to Get Through the Hard Times — AFG #94
Stories of Faith in the Bible — AFG #137
