9 Bible Verses that Inspire a Thankful Heart

As we enter the month of November, many of us begin to focus on giving thanks for all we have. The Bible is full of verses that can inspire a thankful heart in us. Here are 9 of my favorite verses about gratitude. May they bless and encourage you as you reflect on all God has done for you!

What does the bible say about a thankful heart?

The bible says many things about gratitude and a thankful heart. Yet, one verse really stands out on the importance of being thankful. In Psalm 95:2-3, David says:

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.”

Psalm 95:2-3

David, a great worshipper, entered into the Lord’s presence by starting by giving thanks to God. This position of his heart, allowed Him to enter into God’s presence. In the presence of God, we find freedom (2 Cor. 3:17), boldness (Eph. 3:12), joy (Psalm 16:11), rest (Exodus 33:14, success (Gen. 39:2), and power (1 Cor. 5:4). This list goes on and on. It makes me wonder when we have all these promises from God waiting for us, how often do we not access them because we aren’t grateful?

Why do I struggle with gratitude?

Being grateful is a choice. We can wake up, look around and see everything our life or ourselves are not. Or, we can step back and see the good and give thanks. Simple yes, easy? Not always. It’s no mystery the rise of social media can hinder a grateful life. Seeing the daily highlight reel of those we know and those we barely do, can easily lead to comparison. Seeing what they have and what you don’t. That’s a quick ride to an unthankful heart.

Despite this, cultivating a life of gratitude is as simple as what we choose to focus on. Say my young daughter fixes herself a snack of bread and butter. She’ll likely leave a trail of crumbs on the counter, smeared in butter. The bread bag may or may not return to the fridge. The butter knife could end up anywhere on the counter, the floor, or yes, even in the fridge. Seeing this, I can complain about how she didn’t clean up, and now I’m doing it. Or, I can praise her and be thankful my daughter is capable of getting her own snack. A change in your circumstances doesn’t make you more thankful, a shift in your perspective does.

How can I inspire a thankful heart?

Meditating and journaling on the word of God is a great place to start. There are numerous verses on thanks and gratitude in the bible. 9 of the best bible quotes for a thankful heart are included in my 7 Day Gratitude Journal for Christians. Each of these bible verses on gratitude is below.

9 Best Bible Quotes for a thankful heart

1 Chronicles 16:34

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Psalm 7:17

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 106:4

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 95: 2-3

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

2 Corinthians 9:11-12

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Psalm 86:12

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.