The Bible has much to say about the “attitude of gratitude.” Allow me to quote just a few verses from God’s Word concerning the act and attitude of giving thanks.
Speaking in the context of the command of Ephesians 5:17, to “…be filled with the Spirit,” Paul says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:20)

Addressing the saints at Thessalonica, Paul indicates that a thankful attitude is the will of God for all believers. He says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18).

The Apostle Paul indicated to the saints at Philippi that thanksgiving should be a natural part of our prayers to God when he said, “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Phil. 4:6)

James, the brother of Jesus, gives us a good reason to be thankful, for he indicates that God is the source of our blessings, since, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

However, sometimes I feel that our society has all but forgotten how to be thankful and grateful for God’s goodness. Today’s world seems to display a sense of entitlement; the attitude that one somehow deserves all the pleasures and plenty life has to offer, without any effort on the individual’s part. God’s Word tells us plainly that a general attitude of ingratitude is characteristic of the “…last days…” (2 Tim. 3:1). I believe we have arrived at that point in time. Paul says to Timothy, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” (2 Tim. 3:1-2)

On November 22, our nation will observe Thanksgiving Day. This celebration conjures up all sorts of ideas, such as pilgrims, prosperity, plenty, and even parties. However, we need to be careful to remember that this holiday is ultimately about showing our gratitude for Almighty God’s grace, goodness, and mercy (James 1:17)

Perhaps you’re wondering what there is to be thankful for, with the economy, the nation, and the world taking a turn for the worse over the last few years. It’s so easy to whine and complain about what we don’t have, instead of being thankful for what we have. Nevertheless, in spite of how things may appear, we always have a lot for which to thank God. Too often, we overlook the most obvious things for which to be thankful, because we have long taken them for granted. With that thought in mind, I want to draw our attention to these sobering thoughts, from an unknown writer:

Forgive Me When I Whine

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her—she seemed so gay, and how I wished I were so fair;
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle; she had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, a smile.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine, I have two feet—the world is mine.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm; he seemed to radiate good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm;
I said, “It’s nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find.” He turned and said, “Oh thank you sir.” And then I saw that he was blind.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine, I have two eyes, the world is mine.

Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue; he stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to do;
I stopped a moment, then I said, “Why don’t you join the others, dear?” He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine, I have two ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I’d go; with eyes to see the sunsets’ glow; with ears to hear what I would know, I am blessed indeed. The world is mine;
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.

May God help us to be grateful for His goodness.

For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, – a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert