Boundless Daily: The Habit of Giving Thanks

Life moves fast. Between the early morning shifts, the late-night caregiving, and the constant buzz of our phones, it is easy to lose track of the good things. We often find ourselves looking for the "next big thing" to make us happy, while missing the grace that is already right in front of us.

At Boundless Online Church, we believe that faith isn't just a Sunday activity. It is a daily walk. This week, as part of our Boundless Daily Micro-Studies, we are looking at the habit of giving thanks.

This isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It is about acknowledging that God is good, even when the world feels heavy.

What is the Habit of Giving Thanks?

Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is a discipline. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Notice it says in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. You don’t have to be thankful for a flat tire or a difficult diagnosis. But you can be thankful that you aren’t facing those things alone.

Establishing a habit of gratitude means training your eyes to see God’s hand in the ordinary. It is about shifting your focus from what you lack to what you have been given. This aligns with our core belief in the One True God who is our provider and sustainer. When we give thanks, we are actively recognizing His sovereignty over our lives.

Why Does It Matter?

When we talk about the Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths, we often think about the big theological pillars. But these truths are meant to be lived out. One of those truths is Sanctification: the process of being set apart for God’s purposes.

Developing a thankful heart is a huge part of that process. It changes our character. It moves us away from bitterness and toward the peace of Christ.

There is also a practical side to this. Research shows that people who practice daily gratitude experience better sleep, lower stress levels, and deeper connections with others. For someone working a high-stress job or living in an area where life feels uncertain, these benefits aren't just "nice to have." They are essential for survival.

How to Build the Habit

If you aren't used to practicing gratitude, it can feel a bit forced at first. That’s okay. Like any muscle, your "thankfulness muscle" needs to be exercised. Here are a few simple ways to start, no matter where you are or what your schedule looks like.

1. Habit Stacking at Mealtime

One of the easiest ways to start a new habit is to attach it to something you already do. This is called "habit stacking."

Every time you sit down to eat, pause for a moment. Before you take the first bite, name one thing you are grateful for. It could be as big as a promotion or as small as a good cup of coffee. By doing this daily, you create a rhythm of recognition.

2. The "Before the Phone" Reflection

Most of us reach for our phones the second we wake up. We check the news, our emails, or social media. This often starts our day with a sense of comparison or anxiety.

Try a different approach. Before you touch your phone, think of three specific things you are thankful for. Maybe it’s the warmth of your blankets, the breath in your lungs, or the fact that God’s mercies are new every morning.

3. Gratitude Journaling

Writing things down has a way of making them real. Keeping a simple notebook by your bed can change the way you end your day.

Before you turn out the lights, write down two or three highlights from the day. Even on the worst days, there is usually a "glimmer": a small moment of grace. Writing these down creates a record of God’s faithfulness that you can look back on when times get tough. You can find more resources on living out your faith in our Faith and Discipleship category.

Gratitude in the Hard Seasons

We know that for many in our Boundless community, life isn't easy. You might be listening to this while working a night shift, or perhaps you are a caregiver feeling exhausted. You might be in a part of the world where following Jesus comes with a high price.

In these moments, gratitude isn't a "vibe." It’s a weapon.

When we give thanks in the middle of a storm, we are declaring that our God is bigger than our problems. We are standing on the Truth of the Blessed Hope: the promise that Jesus is returning and will make all things right. This isn't wishful thinking; it is a fundamental truth of our faith.

If you are struggling to find something to be thankful for today, start with the most important gift of all: Salvation. We believe that through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been reconciled to God. That is a reason to give thanks every single day, regardless of our bank account or our health.

A Simple Prayer for Today

Sometimes we just need the words to get started. If you’re feeling stuck, you can pray something like this:

"Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for the air I breathe and the grace You provide. Help me to see Your hand at work today, even in the small things. Shift my heart from worry to worship. Amen."

We want to help you grow in these daily rhythms. If you're looking for more ways to connect with God throughout the week, check out our Bible Studies section.

Next Steps

The habit of giving thanks is a journey, not a destination. You don't have to get it perfect today. Just start.

• Pick one of the methods above (mealtime, morning, or journaling).

• Try it for the next three days.

• Notice how it changes your perspective.

We are a community that believes in the power of prayer and the importance of supporting one another. If you are finding it hard to be thankful because the weight of life is too heavy right now, we would love to pray with you.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Our mission is simple: We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online. Whether you are at home, at work, or on the move, you are part of this family.

For more daily encouragement and to join our online community, you can visit our main Blog Page.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.