https://odb.org/2026/07/15/always-giving-thanks
Ephesians 5:15–20 (NIV): 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A fifty-ton, female humpback whale swam into a web of crab lines off the coast of California, trapping her in a tangled mess. Hundreds of feet of line and hundreds of pounds of traps wrapped around her body as she struggled to stay afloat. Four divers came to her rescue, swimming under her belly. For an hour, they cut rope—dangerous work since one flap of her tail could have killed them. After they freed her, rather than immediately escaping, she swam to and gently nudged each diver. “It felt to me like she was thanking us,” one rescuer said.
Whether or not whales are able to express gratitude, being thankful is truly an important part of being human. It’s vital for our life with God. Many of us thank Him for larger blessings (the birth of a child or healing from a disease). However, Paul tells us to offer gratitude for every gift we receive, for every bit of goodness we encounter. We’re to be “always giving thanks to God,” the apostle writes (Ephesians 5:20). Not sometimes. Not only for exceptional moments. Always. (Winn Collier, Our Daily Bread 15th July 2026)
Ephesians 5 invites us to walk in Christ’s light rather than stumble through the darkness of the world (v. 8). In verses 15-20, we encounter a surprising source of spiritual strength: gratitude. Paul urges us to “be filled with the Spirit” (v. 18) and to “[give] thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 20). Gratitude is a posture and attitude that returns our focus to the source of all good things (see James 1:16-18). When we express our thankfulness—even in ordinary or difficult moments—we acknowledge God’s presence and goodness. This reorientation helps us to live intentionally, reflecting Christ’s love. (J.R. Hudberg, Insight, Our Daily Bread 15th July 2026)
Even in the world, gratitude towards God or the creator is accepted as one of the best boosters for good mental health and happiness. A quote from Google – “Practicing gratitude increases happiness by shifting your focus from what is missing to what you already have. Science shows this habit literally rewires your brain, lowering stress hormones like cortisol while releasing mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.” In other words, gratitude reduces stress and chemically increases our “feel good” mood.
Likewise in the spiritual world, Paul advocates the same principle of gratitude in general but specifically towards God. In everything, not for some major things, give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not for significant things only but in everything, always. As J.R. Hudberg wrote – “Gratitude is a posture and attitude that returns our focus to the source of all good things. When we express our thankfulness—even in ordinary or difficult moments—we acknowledge God’s presence and goodness.” It brings us back to God and that’s the key.
As we focus on the things we have, we forget those we don’t. To me, gratitude is like contentment. We are grateful and thankful for what we have and have already achieved, rather than lament on missed opportunities for greatness. If we are honest, we will see God has been good to us. Others may have done better, but there are also others who fared worse. Remember, in Christian life, we are running in our own lane. We have God’s will for us specifically. His tailored and bespoke customised plans and purposes for our life. Gratitude helps us to forget what’s behind, the past failures and disappointments, and focus on what lies ahead. As they say, leave the past behind and move on.
My prayer for all of us is that we look at the bright day ahead with gratitude and thankfulness towards God and our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! We are still breathing, still alive and kicking! Indeed sad birds still fly, but grateful birds soar high under the shadow of His wings! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 