I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

Psalm 86:12

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone for another year, but a thankful heart can be practiced every day of the year. Here’s a list to keep in mind as the pace of life picks up over the next few weeks:

• Gratitude honors God.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1).

• Expressing my thanks reminds me of my dependence on Him.

“…Be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:15-16),

• Gratitude encourages me to focus on the real blessings in my life in spite of my circumstances.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

• Giving thanks to God strengthens my faith and the faith of others.

“Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs; sing and make music from your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God”(Ephesians 5: 19-20).

Let’s remember that a heart that is dependent on God is a grateful heart and gratitude is meant to be expressed.