“Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.”
1 Chronicles 16:8
Thankfulness isn’t an option; it’s our duty to let the world know who God is and what He’s done in our lives.
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done.”
1 Chronicles 16:11-12
When we’re thankful, we stay surrendered. Gratitude is the heart’s way of saying, "God, I remember what You’ve done."
“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
1 Chronicles 16:34
Gratitude kills selfishness and fuels worship. It reminds us that life isn’t about us; it’s about God.
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people said, ‘Amen,’ and praised the Lord.”
1 Chronicles 16:36
Thankfulness is the jumpstart our spirits need, reminding us that God is with us and for us in every season.
1. Looking Back:
Think back over the past week or month. Is there something God has done in your life that you may have taken for granted? What could it look like to thank Him for it this week?
2. Sharing Stories of Gratitude:
Is there someone in your life whom you haven’t thanked recently? Who might that be, and what could you say to express your gratitude to them?
3. Dealing with Forgetfulness:
In the message, we talked about how easy it is to forget what God has done. What are some practical ways you could remind yourself to stay thankful on a daily basis?
4. Breaking Self-Centeredness:
When life gets busy, it’s easy to focus on ourselves. How does thankfulness help shift our focus outward? Can you think of a time when gratitude helped you break out of a self-centered mindset?
5. Experiencing Joy Through Gratitude:
Thankfulness can lift our spirits, especially when we’re feeling low. Have you ever experienced a “thankfulness boost” that lifted your mood or brought you joy share about a time when gratitude helped you.
6. Making Thankfulness a Habit:
Gratitude can be more than a seasonal feeling. What are some ways to make thankfulness a consistent part of your life? Are there specific practices that could help you stay more thankful year-round?
7. Encouraging Thankfulness in Others:
How can you encourage a spirit of gratitude in your family, friends, or workplace? What are some simple ways to model thankfulness to others?
8. Overcoming Complaining with Thankfulness:
Sometimes, it’s easy to fall into a habit of complaining. What are some areas in your life where you could replace complaints with gratitude? What difference might this make in your perspective?
9. Recognizing Small Blessings:
Not every blessing is big and obvious. What are some “small” things you’re thankful for that you might normally overlook?
10. Keeping Thankfulness Fresh:
How do you keep your thankfulness from becoming routine or hollow? Are there new ways to express gratitude that could help make it more genuine?
11. Thankfulness with Strangers:
Sometimes, showing gratitude to strangers can make a huge impact. Have you ever had a moment where someone’s simple act of gratitude made your day? How could you do the same for others this week?
12. Ending with Thankfulness Goals:
As we close, what’s one specific way you plan to practice thankfulness this week? Who or what will you thank, and how will you express it?
