6 Biblical characteristics of a Thankful Heart
Song of Thankful Heart
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.” – Johnson Oatman (1897)
It is so easy for my eyes to look at my neighbor’s green pastures, and wish for their blessing. We tend to not have a thankful heart because of the innate greed and discontentment in our lives.
‘Yes, I have this, but I want more’ becomes our motto at times. The song writer pens and reminds each of us to count our own blessings, and name them one by one.
“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
.. see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done”
Have you counted your blessings today?
What better time than today to implement these SIX Biblical characteristics of a thankful heart in our lives.
6 Characteristics of a thankful heart
1. COUNTS HER BLESSINGS:
The song mentioned above says that when we start to jot down all the blessings, it will surprise us as to what the Lord has done. The first characteristics of a thankful heart is where we sing of our blessings so far.
Psalm 103: 2-5 O bless the Lord o my soul and forget not his benefits, who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Who satisfies your desires with good things.
Journal in your diary today all the things you know are blessings in your life. Remember there is someone else truly praying for the very blessings you have.
2. CELEBRATES THE MIGHTY DEEDS OF GOD:
It is very important to be thankful for the answered prayers and dance before God’s altar. Celebrate Jesus for the restoration and life He has given us thus far.
Psalm 9:1 , KJV I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.
Psalm 107:8, KJV Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Hannah’s praise is one of my favorite song in the Bible.
1 Samuel 2:1-2 My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me.
3. DOES NOT COMPARE:
To compare means “to examine the character or qualities to discover resemblances or differences (Merriam-Webster)”
It is so important to remember the story of Saul and David this time. David had killed Goliath and the ladies were singing a beautiful song and praising David.
This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” I Samuel 18:8, NLT
A thankful heart continues to thank God and does not compare with a popular blogger, or a richer friend.
It is more important that our Lord commend us rather than we stoop low by comparing ourselves with others.
4. DOES NOT COMPLAIN:
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:14-15).
Imagine a close friend of ours has posted an awesome picture on social media about their amazing trip, how do we react? Do we complain about our sad life?
We must always remember that when we complain about your circumstances, we are complaining about the inability of God’s Sovereignty.
The fourth characteristics of a thankful heart is where we do not complain like the Israelites who did witness multiple miracles.
“You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD” (Exodus 16:8).
5. CULTIVATES A HEART OF CONTENTMENT:
Anyone who is a child of God has an Eternal hope in Jesus . There will be a day when there will have no more tears and this can result in praising God despite our circumstances today.
Because Christ lives in me, I will rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances.
God can move our environments from worse to best in His time, and it is important that we continue to have a “Towdah” thankful heart . We must continue to have a thankful heart by offering our life as a living sacrifice.
Psalm 50:23 NASB: “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.”
6. CONTINUES TO ADMINISTER A GENEROUS HEART:
Administration of our gifts to others results in abundant thanksgiving to God. Scripture mentions that we ought to help the needy so that they can praise God and He can be glorified through our actions.
2 Corinthians 9:11,12, NLT Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
A thankful heart is not selfish but realizes the gift of generosity. Invite someone who doesn’t have a family for a meal this weekend or during thanksgiving.
WHAT AM I THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR?
I am thankful for the redeeming Grace of my Lord and Savior
Grateful for the darkest periods in my childhood. I am able stand firm in my faith today and administer to others.
Eternally thankful for the restoration of life of my beloved sister about a year ago. I got to even meet my siblings after 5 long years. (for we are in different continents)
Thank you, Jesus for the gift of motherhood after a decade long of waiting.
I thank the Lord for the ministry of blogging. It allowed me to draw much closer to my Lord and meet anointed bloggers.
Friend, what are you thankful for this year? I would love to read your comment below. Here are 5 Thankful Heart verses to memorize.
Until we meet again here
Diana
Elis
October 28, 2017 at 1:20 amVery much true…sometimes being thankful in times of difficult situations is much tougher than in good times….but the blessings are double..whenever in trials we tend to forget to count our blessings..so I have prepared a Thanksgiving book…where I’m able to jot down all the experienced blessings n read them everyday n thank God Almighty…
Today let me take the opportunity to thank the Lord for my talented and hardworking sisters..God bless you
Susan Evans
October 28, 2017 at 11:58 amWhen we think about all that God has done for us in the past, we are suddenly more content with the present. God knows our situation and is able to bring deliverance at the appropriate time.
Diana
October 30, 2017 at 9:41 amYes, Susan Amen to your comments. We know how God led us in the past and we also know He will lead us well in the present and future. Blessings and thank you for your wonderful reply.
Tammy
October 28, 2017 at 12:11 pmPinned !! #5 and #6 are what I am working on most significantly. Thank you for this lovely post.
Sydney Meek
October 28, 2017 at 2:28 pmI love this. It’s amazing how much thankfulness can overcome you when you dwell on what work The Lord has been doing in your life or the lives of those around you. Thanks for these sweet reminders!
Sydney Meek | meeklyloving.wordpress.com
Diana
October 30, 2017 at 9:33 amSyndey, thankfulness can flow into our very veins when we recall how God has been good to us thus far 🙂
Blessings to you
Melissa
October 29, 2017 at 7:56 am#3 and #4 can happen in a blink of an eye if we are not focused on having a thankful heart to begin with. The majority of social media surrounds bragging, comparing, and complaining. This is such a great post to focus on all that God does for us and remembering to keep Him at our center! Thank you!
Diana
October 30, 2017 at 9:31 amMelissa, I agree with you on #3 and #4 . It can happen to anyone whose heart is not centered on God and His blessings in our life.
Thank you for visiting me once again
Stacey Pardoe
October 30, 2017 at 8:34 amThanks so much for these reminders! I pinned this and will be returning to it again!
Diana
October 30, 2017 at 9:30 amStacey, I am so glad these verses and the post were a blessing to you today. Blessings to you
Diana
October 30, 2017 at 9:29 amI love reading your comments and thank you for visiting my blog again. Blessings
Laura @ Fantastically Four
October 30, 2017 at 10:26 amDiana, this is beautiful! I love the truth you’re sharing here about contentment and not comparing and complaining. Your own list of what you’re thankful for is so inspiring too. 🙂
Dani
October 30, 2017 at 5:37 pmLOVE the writings you quoted at the beginning – so impactful and beautiful. Your points helped me evaluate my heart, and I pray God will continue to grow my contentment in Christ. Complaining and comparison really have no room the more our heart is filled with His glory! Thank you for sharing such wisdom.
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:21 pmDani, count your blessings is a hymn I learned as a young girl. The song writer teaches us to name them one by one so that we remain thankful. It gives no room for a discontent heart.
Glad you visited me again 🙂
KellyRBaker
October 31, 2017 at 11:41 amGreat post, Diana! I especially like to write down my blessings in my journal because there’s something about seeing them in black and white that lifts the spirits. And makes me want to praise the Lord. 🙂
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:20 pmKelly, I love to make a note of all the things I am thankful for as well. Helps me never forget that God is in control always. No matter what let us choose to be thankful
Sarah Koontz
November 1, 2017 at 9:32 amDoes not compare. Does not complain. Those were my favorites! Great list, thank you for reminding us to be thankful!
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:19 pmSarah, I am excited to see your comment here today 🙂 Complaining and comparing doesn’t take much effort when we choose to forget to count our blessings.
Blessings to you and your ministry
Meghan
November 1, 2017 at 11:52 amYes1 I enjoy singing while I am doing chores…I sing my prayers and praises a lot. Thank you for sharing this, Diana. Keep writing, friend. Bless you!
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:17 pmMeghan, I love to sing my praises to the Lord as well 🙂 It creates such a sense of contentment and joy in my home. thank you for your blessed words. Happy November
Julie
November 1, 2017 at 12:35 pmI am thankful for family and the courage to share my faith. I’ve become bolder and it’s God working in me. I’m thankful for HIs love and guidance!
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:16 pmJulie, I am glad you are proclaiming God’s Word in front of your friends and family. It is so important that we imitate Christ and live a thankful life in front of them
Happy November
Lureta
November 1, 2017 at 2:09 pmI love this song in your post. Such a beautiful reminder of how we are blessed if we take the time to count our blessings. Gratitude always dispels discontentment. Thank you for these practical ways to practice having a heart of gratitude.
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:13 pmI learned that song as a little girl ,and its meaning is more powerful today as an adult. Gratitude does dispel discontentment. Amen
Blessings to you
Laura
November 1, 2017 at 4:47 pm“Cultivates a heart of contentment” — Man, YES!! I need this today!
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:12 pmLaura, your comment encouraged me and I sensed a spirit of joy in you today 🙂 Happy November
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:10 pmCongratulations to you as well, Julie on your one year of blogging. May our writings ever glorify God. I loved your testimony on your blog as well
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:11 pmSo glad this post blessed you and you visited me today. Happy thanksgiving
Diana
November 1, 2017 at 5:15 pmIt is a human nature to complain about what we do not have, but Jesus helps us cultivate contentment. Thank you for your lovely comment. I am so glad you visited me today
Stephanie Liller
November 1, 2017 at 6:18 pmBeautiful article! I am here singing the hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’! I truly needed needed this today! Thank you 🙂
Tanya
November 1, 2017 at 8:09 pmI am learning how to lament, To tell God all I feel and understand about my situation. To not hide. I am thankful that he is a big God that this does not scare him and he wants to hear all I say with all the time in the world.
Would like to take up my Everyday Go Thing Journal again this next year.
Michele Morin
November 2, 2017 at 8:50 amComparing and complaining are definitely the opposite of gratitude. Thanks for putting together this timely list of reminders — like a thermometer for taking the temperature of my heart!
Karen Woodall
November 2, 2017 at 10:23 amI’m convinced that a person can find something to complain about in the best of situations or something to be grateful for in the worst situations. It’s not about circumstances but about your perspective and your heart. Thanks for these great reminders.
bethany mcilrath
November 2, 2017 at 10:37 amWonderful list, thank you Diana!
Theresa Boedeker
November 2, 2017 at 12:25 pmGreat reminders. “Remember there is someone else truly praying for the very blessings you have.” Wow, that is so true and hit me between the eyes.
Naomi Fata
November 2, 2017 at 12:41 pmThank you for sharing. Love point 5 – cultivating that heart of thanksgiving is so important.
I have so much to be thankful for, this year my husband and I celebrated a decade of marriage, I am thankful for answered prayer concerning my children’s adjustment to school, I’m thankful for deep friendships and a writers community. And more than anything I’m thankful that the Lord is faithful to continually quiet my heart with His love, and draw me with His loving kindness. I’m thankful for all the personal growth He has brought about in my own life.
Brenda
November 2, 2017 at 1:20 pmWonderful list, Diana. And, Happy Blog-a-versary! Congrats on One Year! — I’m thankful for His protection and mercy over my little family. In all of life, the ups and downs, He’s been the one Constant. So very thankful for Him. Thanks for the opportunity to praise Him today. ((Hug))
Kristi Woods
November 3, 2017 at 7:55 amDiana, I’ve visted here a couple of times now, and each time in-depth ministry greets me. Thank God for bloggers like you, ones that have a burning fire for Jesus, evident for all to see. This post on thanks is wonderful, one I’ve shared with my husband and teens. (I pinned it for my readers as well. And gosh, I’ll likely post it on my professional fb page today as well.) Good, godly, Bible-based encouragement. Love it! #faithonfire
Liz
November 3, 2017 at 8:35 amSuch a beautiful and encouraging post! We have so much for which to be thankful, indeed! Blessings!
Sarah Geringer
November 3, 2017 at 1:14 pmCongratulations on one year of blogging, Diana! You are so talented and accomplished. I love that you’re having so many Pinterest shares…you’ll have to teach me how you got that to happen!
Lori Schumaker
November 3, 2017 at 6:03 pmA beautiful reminder about gratitude! My friend, Marva from Sun Sparkle, Shine are doing a 5-Day email course called Wake up to Gratitude as a preparation for the holiday season! An attitude of gratitude is truly a weapon against defeat. It protects our hope and our joy♥
Thanks, friend, for joining me each week at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Marva | SunSparkleShine
November 3, 2017 at 9:08 pmDiana, it’s so good to visit your space today. There are soooo many things I’m thankful for but right now, I’m particularly thankful for new beginnings. Especially the ones where I see God going ahead of me. He always knows best!
Blessings to you, my friend.
Diana
November 3, 2017 at 11:56 pmMarva, I am so glad you visited me today. You were in my prayers during the Hurricane. I thank God along with you for the new beginnings in your life as well. May this season bring lots of gratitude and blessing in your life
Much love
Beth
November 15, 2017 at 10:57 amWow! I was convicted by each of these gratitude principles, Diana. This is a powerful and thought-provoking post that I’ll be sharing! Thanks, my friend!
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Mary Hill
November 19, 2017 at 9:58 amI think no 4 is the most difficult. I find myself complaining daily. I want to cultivate a thankful heart. Your verses are great tools for this. Thanks for sharing on the #LMMLinkup this past week.
Mary Hill
November 19, 2017 at 10:05 amPS this blessed me so much I added it to my list of favorite posts for the week on the #LMMLinkup.
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