Being thankful to God is part of our Christian service and our faith. Here are some Bible verses about being thankful for the little things in life. Many times, when we are thankful for little things, those little things convert into great things.
It seems to be easier to be thankful for large things, even while we may take the smaller things for granted. But if we start to discipline ourselves to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, and thank God for all of the little things He has blessed us with, we are preparing our heart to receive greater things.
The first of several verses from the word of God about being thankful for the little things is:
“For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10 (KJV)
This entire verse may be a bit confusing, but the part which pertains to this post of Bible verses about being thankful for the little things is the very first sentence, a warning about despising “the day of small things.” Keep in mind, small things can be important things. God is a God of details, and since God is interested in the small things, we should be also.
Bible Verses About Being Thankful for the Little Things in Old Testament Bible Stories
These are not necessarily Bible verses about being thankful for the little things in our lives, but the people described in these biblical stories had some very small things for which they were thankful. They are lessons for us today as we see how their little things turned into big things.
David and Goliath
When David killed the giant, which had terrified the army of the Israelites, he used a little stone.
“And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.” 1 Samuel 17:49-50 (KJV)
David was very thankful for the little stone, and for the victory God gave to him with it!
Elijah and the Ravens
During times of famine in the Bible, food became a scarce commodity. But God had His own version of DoorDash. He used “fowl delivery” to feed His faithful prophet Elijah.
“And the ravens brought him [Elijah] bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.” 1 Kings 17:6 (KJV)
Ravens are not large creatures, and interestingly enough, they, too, like to eat bread. But these small servants of God delivered the same food they liked to the prophet of God.
Elijah and the Widow Woman
When the water in the brook where Elijah was camped out at dried up because of the lack of rain, it was time for God to use another means to feed His servant, so He sent Elijah to a particular lady to feed him. She was a poor widow, a single parent, and could hardly feed herself, but Elijah asked her for food.
“And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.” 1 Kings 17:12-15 (KJV)
This lady had very little, but God took what she had and gave her much.
Bible Verses About Being Thankful for the Little Things in New Testament Bible Stories
Jesus Feeds the Multitudes
Five loaves and two fishes were a small lunch for a little boy. Yet, one of the wonderful deeds that Jesus did when He was on Earth was that He took this small offering and made it into an all-you-can-eat meal for a multitude!
“He [Jesus] saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.” Mark 6:38-43 (KJV)
Another time Jesus took a small amount of food and again, made it into a meal, this time for four thousand people.
“And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.” Mark 8:4-9 (KJV)
The Widow’s Offering
We may not think that the money we give for the work of God is very much. We may not earn much money, and therefore, cannot give as much as we would like. But consider the example and actions of a poor widow who gave very little money to God.
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44 (KJV)
This poor lady realized that God was greater than her meager offering and she trusted Him to supply her needs.
She, as well as those in the Old Testament examples, where God used little things to provide for them in a great way, realized the truth of this verse:
“For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3 (KJV)
Our Small Service to God
If we faithfully serve God, even in a small way, we should be very thankful for the opportunities He gives us. If we are faithful in our service to Him in little things, God will eventually give us more and greater responsibilities.
Jesus taught this principle in the parable of the pounds (a type of currency) in Luke 19:11-27. This verse sums up the parable:
“And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17 (KJV)
The servants to whom the master entrusted a little, and were faithful with what he gave them to do, did not receive more money (though that would have been an excellent reward in itself). Rather, he gave them authority over cities!
The position of authority over a single city would come with an excellent paycheck! Then, multiply that huge amount by ten! This is what God will give to those servants who are faithful in the small things God gives them to do.
Bible Verses About Giving Thanks for the Small Things and Everything
With the above examples of God being in the small things, here are some general Bible verses about giving thanks for the small things even every day.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
God wants us, His people, to be a thankful people. This is His will for His children.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
In this verse, the Apostle Paul tells us not to be “careful” or anxious, but rather, when we find ourselves prone to worry about things, pray and ask God for help. Our prayers for God’s help should also include thanking Him, both for His provisions in the past and the fact that He hears our prayers.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (KJV)
We can be thankful for the great truth in this small verse! God in His steadfast love for us, works all things for good for those who have a steadfast love of Him.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
Our lives, which are composed of our words and deeds, should always include having a thankful heart to God. Being known as a thankful person, instead of constantly complaining, is a good testimony for God and what He has done for us.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (KJV)
All of the good things that we have and enjoy are from God. Thank Him for the seemingly little things that you use in your everyday life. This can include your working refrigerator, the carpet on your floor, your deodorant, running water, heat, air conditioning, safety, family, clothing, a well-stocked pantry, your cell phone, your pets, your good health, a good parking space, your car, and so much more! When you feel you have nothing to be thankful to God about, think about all that you do have, and if any one of those things were taken away, and you would miss it, then it is something for you to thank God about.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)
Even during hard times, and even for the trials God allows us to endure, He wants us to thank Him for them. The term “all things” includes little things, large blessings, and even difficult times. God tells us to be thankful for all of them.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
It is God’s will for us to be thankful, and to express our thanks from a grateful heart to Him.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
It is good to express gratitude to God. Even during difficult situations when we have the peace of God ruling in our hearts, this is something great for which to give God thanks.
Thanking God is called “the sacrifice of praise.” Giving thanks to God is a sacrifice. Thanking God is giving Him something, taking some of our time and energy, to praise Him. This should be a joyful sacrifice because He has given us so much.
Ways to Express Gratitude Toward God
Singing songs of praise, even if you sing them silently in your mind, is a way to express thanks for God’s great blessings. Singing songs of praise is taking some of our time, energy, and mental prowess to praise Him.
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1 (KJV)
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” Ephesians 5:19 (KJV)
“My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:21 (KJV)
Make it a point every day in your prayer time to give God thanks. Start a gratitude book or include a place in your prayer journal to write down God’s blessings to you each day.
Not all of the verses here are Bible verses about giving thanks for the small things, but they are about thanking and praising God. Regardless of the sizes of His blessings, and the goodness that God gives every day, whether we view them as large or small, it’s all part of God’s unfailing love for us.
One of the huge things we can be thankful for is God’s forgiveness to us. Here are some Bible verses about repentance and forgiveness.
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