By JakkiJustSaying
Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder that life is filled with blessings we do not deserve but receive because of God’s endless mercy. But as I pause today, I realize how often we use gratitude and thankfulness interchangeably; when the truth is, they are related, yet not the same.
Thankfulness is the reaction.
It rises quickly, often in response to
something God has done:
“Lord, thank You for waking me up this morning.”
“Thank You for my family.”
“Thank You for food on my table and breath in my lungs.”
This is the kind of thankfulness David speaks of: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 107:1)
Thankfulness responds to God’s visible blessings.
Gratitude is the posture.
It lives inside the heart even when life is uncertain, quiet, or heavy. Gratitude isn’t dependent on what’s happening gratitude trusts who God is.
It echoes Paul’s instruction:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Not for everything.
But in everything.
Gratitude is the inward posture that says: “God, You’ve been faithful in every season, not just this one.”
“Lord, I thank You even when life feels unfinished, unclear, or unmet.”
Gratitude is lived.
Thankfulness is expressed.
And as I look back over the year; its quiet victories, its private tears, its unexpected mercies. I understand why Scripture reminds us:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)
Whether we woke up strong or weary, whether our table is full or simple, whether our year overflowed or stretched us to our limits; God has not failed to provide.
Today, let your heart say:
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24)
Thankfulness gives God praise.
Gratitude gives God space to work.
May we walk in both.
Be Blessed 🙌.