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Series: Habits of a Thankful Heart

Do you find it hard to be thankful? By developing the habits of a thankful heart, you can grow in faith and in your relationship to Jesus and others.

In a world filled with challenges, cultivating a heart of gratitude may seem like an uphill battle. Life’s trials, disappointments, and spiritual dry spells can test the very foundation of a thankful heart. Yet, this transformative journey towards thankfulness holds the key to strengthening your faith, deepening your relationship with Jesus, and fostering genuine connections with others. 

In developing the habits of a thankful heart, the book of Philippians serves as a guiding light, offering invaluable insights into developing habits that can last through your whole life, despite your circumstances. Written by the apostle Paul, this letter addresses the profound spiritual call to serve God and fellow believers, even in the face of hardship and persecution. 

Drawing inspiration from Christ’s example and Paul’s personal experiences, the message echoes loud and clear: humble service not only strengthens one’s faith but also imparts the resilience needed to navigate the most difficult times. Developing a thankful heart is not only a blessing in itself, but it will nourish your faith and enrich your relationships for the long term. 

Being thankful isn’t just an attitude. It’s a series of actions, developed through faithful habits, that shape your heart to be more like Christ. This series invites you to develop these habits of a thankful heart too. Cultivating these habits will enrich your walk Christian life and leave an indelible mark on your character.

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Habits of Highly Thankful People

Read: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (v. 4 NIV) It’s Thanksgiving this month in the United States. Today’s verse gives us a good

Habits of a Thankful Heart

You Are a Work in Progress

Read: Philippians 1:3-11 I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (v. 6) Sometimes

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Things Aren’t Always What They Seem

Read: Philippians 1:12-20 Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Your Source of Security

Read: Philippians 1:19-30 Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Practicing Service

Read: Philippians 2:1-11 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (v. 5) Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s hard to be thankful because we are self-absorbed. It’s easy

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Quit Your Bellyaching

Read: Philippians 2:12-16 Do all things without grumbling or questioning. (v. 14 RSV) In The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis describes a grumbling spirit who finds herself in hell. A lifelong

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Spiritual Heroes

Read: Philippians 2:19-30 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men. (v. 29) Near the top of my list of spiritual heroes is a woman named

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Reorienting Your Priorities

Read: Philippians 3:1-11 I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (v. 8) Disappointment comes when you can’t get something you think you

Habits of a Thankful Heart

Consider Your Calling

Read: Philippians 3:12-21 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (v. 14) In third grade, I knew what I wanted