The Bible is clear.

God wants us to be thankful. We are to live our lives in thanksgiving and gratitude. Several psalms begin with the exhortation to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).

The question, of course, is “how do we get to thankfulness?”

Please consider this three-step process in becoming the thankful person you want to be.

First, determine to grow in thankfulness and gratitude. No one really does anything that they haven’t determined to do and to make part of their lives. We simply have to resolve to become a person of thankfulness.

Second, develop a process that will help you establish the habit of being thankful. I read last week of a psychologist who said that his healthiest patients are people who emphasize thankfulness every day. He suggested that they write in their calendar or journal one thing that they are thankful for that day.

Here are some possible ways to do that. Most of us live by a calendar or a “To Do” list. You can simply take your calendar and do the same thing every day. As you begin your day, note one thing you are thankful for. If you use an electronic calendar, you can do the same thing. The psychologist noted the importance of reading through those things at a later time. Following this process will help you get in the habit of thinking about the things for which you are grateful.

By the way, the opposite works as well. The psychologist said that his most unhealthy patients are those who keep a record of being wronged. In order to have health and to be obedient to God, we must practice gratitude.

Third, find passages of Scripture to memorize and meditate on that encourage thankfulness. One of my favorite passages emphasizes rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all! The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).

As you read and reread this passage, you will begin to appropriate its encouragement. You will find the Holy Spirit bringing an attitude of thankfulness to your life as you memorize Scripture.

May God bless you with a thankful heart and a grateful attitude.

Would you like to subscribe to my blog? It’s free! Go to www.waylonbailey.com and subscribe. You’ll receive my blog for the day in your inbox each morning.