Taking things for granted is common, but the Bible reminds us to be thankful. Whether it’s people, blessings, or life itself, God’s word encourages us to appreciate what we have. Here’s a look at scripture’s wisdom on gratitude.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Satisfaction
What Does The Bible Say About Taking Things For Granted
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
This verse reminds us that God’s existence and divine nature are evident through the beauty and intricacy of His creation. It is a reminder not to take His marvelous work for granted.
When we acknowledge and appreciate the wonders of the world around us, we develop a deeper sense of gratitude towards God and a greater understanding of His presence in our lives.
Psalm 103:2-5
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
This Psalm urges us to remember and appreciate the many blessings and favors that God bestows upon us. It serves as a reminder not to take the forgiveness of our sins, the healing of our diseases, and the redeeming of our lives for granted.
By acknowledging and giving thanks for these blessings, we cultivate a heart filled with gratitude, which strengthens our relationship with God and leads to a more joyful and satisfied life.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This verse encourages believers to practice gratitude in every circumstance, even in the midst of challenges or difficulties. It reminds us not to take any situation for granted, but to seek God’s perspective in everything.
By cultivating a spirit of thankfulness and trust in God’s sovereign plan, we can find peace and contentment, knowing that He works all things together for our good.
Ephesians 5:20
“always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In this passage, we are reminded to give thanks to God for everything. It encourages us not to take the smallest blessings or daily provisions for granted, but to approach God with a heart of gratitude.
When we develop the habit of thankfulness, we will find that it transforms our perspective and allows us to find joy and contentment in all circumstances.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse emphasizes that every good thing we have comes from God. It serves as a reminder not to take His blessings and provisions for granted, but to recognize that He is the source of all that is good in our lives.
When we acknowledge the giver of these gifts, we develop a deeper appreciation for His love and provision, and we are less likely to take His blessings for granted.
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
This verse calls us to give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and enduring love. It reminds us not to take His love and faithfulness for granted but to recognize and acknowledge His goodness in our lives.
When we cultivate a heart of gratitude towards God, we experience His love and faithfulness in a deeper and more profound way.
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
Similar to the previous verse, this psalm invites us to give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and everlasting love. It encourages us not to take His love and faithfulness for granted.
When we acknowledge and appreciate God’s constant love and faithfulness, we develop a heart filled with gratitude, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse calls us to live our lives with an attitude of gratitude. It encourages us not to take our actions, words, or even our thoughts for granted, but to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
When we approach life with thanksgiving in our hearts and seek to honor God in all we do, we can experience His presence and blessing in new and profound ways.
Psalm 107:1
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
This psalm invites us to give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and unfailing love. It serves as a reminder not to take His love and faithfulness for granted, as it endures forever.
When we pause to reflect on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, our hearts overflow with gratitude and praise towards Him.
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
This verse reminds us not to take worry and anxiety for granted, but to bring every concern and need before God in prayer with a heart of thanksgiving.
When we approach God with gratitude, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties, we find peace and reassurance in knowing that He cares for us and will provide for our needs.
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”
This verse encourages us to offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually. It serves as a reminder not to take the act of worship and praise for granted, but to express our gratitude through heartfelt praise and adoration.
When we approach God with a heart full of gratitude and worship, we experience His presence and are drawn closer to Him.
Luke 17:15-16
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.”
This passage tells of the Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus after being healed. It reminds us not to take healing, both physical and spiritual, for granted.
When we express our gratitude to Jesus for the healing and restoration we’ve received, we acknowledge the goodness and power of God in our lives.
Psalm 95:2
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
This psalm calls us to approach God with thanksgiving and praise. It reminds us not to take the act of worship and the gift of music for granted, but to use it as a way to express our gratitude towards Him.
When we worship God with thanksgiving in our hearts, we enter into His presence and experience His joy and peace.
2 Corinthians 2:14
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
This verse reminds us to give thanks to God for leading us victoriously in Christ. It serves as a reminder not to take the privilege of sharing the knowledge of God’s love and salvation for granted.
When we thank God for His guidance and the opportunity to share His love with others, we join in His mission and experience fulfillment in spreading His message of hope.
Psalm 118:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
This psalm invites us to give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and everlasting love. It reminds us not to take His love and faithfulness for granted, as it endures forever.
When we acknowledge and appreciate God’s constant love and faithfulness, we develop a heart filled with gratitude, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
Psalm 9:1
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
This psalm encourages us to offer thanks to the Lord with our whole heart and to proclaim His marvelous deeds. It reminds us not to take God’s wonderful works in our lives for granted.
When we testify of God’s faithfulness and share His goodness with others, we reinforce our gratitude and inspire others to appreciate His blessings as well.
Psalm 28:7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
This psalm expresses gratitude towards the Lord for being our strength and protector. It reminds us not to take our security and help from God for granted, but to praise Him with joy and song.
When we acknowledge God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives, our hearts are filled with gratefulness, and we find joy in worshiping and praising His name.
Psalm 69:30
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
This verse speaks of praising God’s name and glorifying Him through thanksgiving. It reminds us not to take the gift of music and the act of worship for granted, but to use them as an avenue for expressing gratitude to Him.
When we offer our thanksgiving through worship, we experience the presence of God and are uplifted in spirit.
Colossians 2:6-7
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
This passage encourages believers to live their lives in Christ, rooted in Him, and overflowing with thankfulness. It reminds us not to take for granted the gift of salvation and the transformational power of walking with Christ.
When we live our lives in constant awareness of God’s grace and mercy, our hearts overflow with gratitude, leading to a life that is deeply rooted in Him.
Psalm 107:8-9
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
This psalm invites us to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds. It reminds us not to take His provision and satisfaction of our needs for granted.
When we recognize and give thanks for God’s abundant provision in our lives, our hearts are filled with gratitude and contentment.
Psalm 136:26
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”
This psalm encourages us to give thanks to the God of heaven, acknowledging the enduring nature of His love. It serves as a reminder not to take His love and faithfulness for granted.
When we meditate on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, our hearts are filled with gratitude and awe, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
Psalm 63:3-4
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands.”
This psalm expresses the psalmist’s gratitude for God’s love, which he considers better than life itself. It reminds us not to take God’s love and presence for granted, but to offer Him continuous praise and adoration.
When we acknowledge the surpassing value of God’s love, our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, and our worship becomes a genuine expression of gratitude.