Yes, we certainly should be thankful all the time, not just once a year. After all, God’s blessings surround us every day of the year—so why shouldn’t we be grateful to Him every day of the year?

Why aren’t we more grateful? Why do we find it easy to ask God for something when we pray—but never utter a word of thanksgiving or praise? One reason, I suspect, is because we become overly absorbed in ourselves and our problems, and that’s all we think about. But when we do this, we lose sight of all the good things God has done for us—especially our salvation in Christ.

Don’t misunderstand me; God wants us to bring every burden and every concern we have to Him in prayer. God loves us, and everything that concerns us also concerns Him. This is why we can bring our problems and burdens to Him, instead of trying to carry them ourselves. The Bible says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

Ask God to make you a truly grateful person every day—and you will be, as you turn regularly to God’s Word, the Bible, and discover just how much God loves you. Even when hard times come (and they will), we still can thank God for giving us the hope and strength we need. Don’t let gratitude become the missing ingredient in your life. Instead, focus on Christ and the hope we have in Him—and thanksgiving will fill your soul. The Bible says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful” (Hebrews 12:28).

Do you have hope in Christ?