I. The. And. You. Such simple words. Such seemingly insignificant words. Yet these four words are the most commonly spoken words of the English language, making them incredibly important for all of us. We use them so often, in fact, we hardly acknowledge their presence in spite of the reality that communication hardly happens without them. In the same way, our familiarity (or overfamiliarity) with many other important things in our lives can also cause us to miss their significance too. What have you taken for granted lately? Your health? Home? Car? What about your spouse or significant other? A parent or friend’s love and commitment? Maybe even air conditioning, heat, a good meal, a full night’s sleep?

Life is crazy and busy, hectic and hard, especially this time of year. Still, there is no better time than today to take a moment and thank God for all that He has already given and provided. When we thank Him, our expressions of gratitude often open our eyes to so much more we’re grateful for. Our thankfulness realigns our priorities, redirects our thinking, lifts our spirits, and sets our hearts back on what really matters most. Even more, thanksgiving can take the magnifying glass off our problems and help us embrace a more balanced, eternal perspective. That’s why God tells us so many times in scripture to “give thanks.” Doing so benefits us as well as pleases Him.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1).

How might God be nudging you to live out this verse today?

*First published by The Joyful Life Magazine.