These seven Bible verses about gratitude offer words for giving thanks when the week feels good, hard, or a bit of both. Each verse has a short note about God's goodness, the gifts in front of you, or the people you love.
You might have plenty to be thankful for and still feel tired. Maybe someone brought dinner. Maybe a person you love is still waiting for an answer. Both things can be part of the same week, and both can be part of what you bring to God.
There is room for thanks in that kind of week. There is room for the hard part, too.
1. Psalm 107:1: God's love lasts
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.
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Psalm 107:1 (CSB)
Psalm 107 remembers people calling out to God in trouble. Its words of thanks come with stories of need and help. That gives this verse room in a week when you have something good to name and something hard to carry.
God's love lasts through both. You can thank him for who he is while you wait for what you still need.
2. James 1:17: Good gifts come from God
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
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James 1:17 (CSB)
Some gifts are the ones you prayed for over and over. Others are part of a day you could have rushed through: food on the table, a kind message, or time with someone you love.
James points us toward the God who gives. When you notice something good, you have someone to thank for it. You can thank him for a small gift, too.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in the middle of it
give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CSB)
This verse sits beside calls to rejoice and pray. Thanks belongs in our ongoing life with God, including the days when we need his help.
If someone has shown up for you during a hard week, you can thank God for that care. You can also tell him what hurts. You do not have to leave the pain out of your prayer to include something you are thankful for.
For more passages to read when the day feels full, here are Bible verses for moms on overwhelmed days.
4. Colossians 3:17: Thanks belongs in an ordinary day
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Colossians 3:17 (CSB)
Paul includes our words and actions here. That leaves plenty of room for the things that fill a day at home or work.
You can thank God while making lunch or talking with your kids. You can thank him for help with a task you still need to finish. Prayer can fit into the day you already have, even when quiet time is hard to find.
5. Psalm 103:2: Remember the care you have received
My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.
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Psalm 103:2 (CSB)
In this psalm, David speaks to his own soul. He goes on to remember God's forgiveness, mercy, and care. Remembering is part of his praise.
Some weeks, what still needs to happen takes up most of your thoughts. This verse offers words for remembering what God has already done, too. There may be a person who helped you, a need that was met, or forgiveness you can thank him for again.
6. Philippians 1:3: Thank God for your people
I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,
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Philippians 1:3 (CSB)
Paul's thanks here is for people who share in the gospel with him. His prayer gives us words for thanking God for the people who walk beside us in faith.
Maybe someone listened when you needed to talk. Maybe someone prayed with you or kept checking in. You can name that person in your thanks to God. A short message telling them what their care meant may be welcome, too.
7. Hebrews 13:15: Praise can cost something
Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.
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Hebrews 13:15 (CSB)
The phrase “sacrifice of praise” makes room for praise that takes effort. The verse points us to Jesus as we offer it.
When words are hard to find, your prayer can be short. You can thank God for staying near and ask him to help you through what comes next. If you need more company on that kind of day, there is encouragement for moms on worn-out days.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
