There is no daily practice that has changed my life more than thankfulness.
Many years ago, I spent my time constantly frustrated when things didn’t come together as fast or in the way that I would like. I would roll in and out of disappointment depending on the way my plans were going.
I didn’t want to live life like this anymore, so I asked God for help. I thought He’d give me new insight on patience, or trust, or even wisdom regarding my plans. But instead, He gave me this:
Practice gratitude.
So I did. I started voicing thankfulness for everything. I began with the big stuff — Jesus, salvation, the church, my family, my calling. But my the real eye-opening practice came through thanking God for the small stuff. Rain that brings us water and life even as it messes up my plans. The endless choices we have in the grocery store. The order and beauty of architecture. The art in a flower.
I started to see God’s love for me everywhere, not just in my immediate circumstances, and it changed my heart. Here are five reasons it will change yours. too:

Thankfulness is one of the ways we know we are saved, because it is a reason we were saved. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Psalm 106:47. We were rescued to give praise and gratitude to the God who deserves it.

Thankfulness helps us feel God’s love in every moment. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34. “Give thanks” is connected with God’s “steadfast love” seventeen times in scripture. There is a connection between our gratitude and our experience of God’s love.

Thankfulness is God’s will for your life. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Living your life in a state of content gratitude is God’s will for you; thankfulness will bring you peace, which is God’s intention for your life.

Thankfulness crowds out fear, anxiety, and negativity. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6. Gratitude replaces anxiety and complaining.

Thankfulness reminds us that our happiness is not all dependent upon us. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17. Gratitude eases the burden of your heart to provide its own joy.

So speak it. Write it. Share it. Sing it. Thankfulness will change your life.