When things aren’t going the way we’d like, it’s easy to lose our sense of gratitude. This Bible Study Starter will help you to actively practice gratitude and refocus on your blessings.
Psalm 100:1-5
Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1. What are five physical blessings you’re thankful for in your life?
2. What are five spiritual blessings you’re thankful for in your life?
3. What are three trials you’ve experienced that produced a blessing after the fact?
4. James encouraged us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). What can we do to make it easier to find joy in trials? What can we do to make it harder?
5. Psalm 136 focuses on God’s continual presence in our lives, as well as the depth of His love for us. Reading through the whole psalm, what aspect of having God in your life are you most grateful for?
6. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to be “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). What do you think happens when we make the shift from being grateful to expressing gratitude? How does actively giving thanks to God change how we look at our blessings?
7. How does knowing “the end intended by the Lord” (James 5:11)—that is, knowing about the coming Kingdom of God and the return of Jesus Christ (verses 7-8)—make it easier to be grateful during life’s more difficult moments?
8. The truth of God is a precious treasure (Proverbs 23:23). Which truths of the Bible are you most grateful to know? How do they change the way you live your life?
