For God’s Character: He is Who He says He is
The Practice of Gratitude Day 5
It’s easy to be grateful for blessings—the obvious gifts, the answered prayers. But the real strength of our gratitude shines when we learn to thank God not just for what He does, but for who He is. This kind of gratitude roots us in the steady, unchanging nature of God, even when everything else feels uncertain.
The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” God’s goodness and love aren’t dependent on our circumstances. They’re the constant thread running through every moment of our lives, good and bad. When we shift our focus from the gifts to the Giver, our gratitude gains depth because we’re recognizing the One who holds all things together.
Think about how the Israelites celebrated God’s character, especially when life was challenging. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” This wasn’t just theology; it was the Israelites’ lifeline. Knowing God’s character helped them trust Him through wilderness wandering, scarcity, and even disobedience. Their gratitude was built not on what God provided, but on who He is.
Sometimes, life gives us more questions than answers, but God’s character is our certainty. He is unchanging, which means that the same God who parted the Red Sea, raised Jesus from the dead, and held Paul in prison is the God who holds us today. When we praise Him for His unchanging nature, we’re anchoring ourselves in a truth that circumstances cannot shake.
Here’s a humorous challenge for today: try to thank God for each of His attributes you can think of throughout the day. Stuck in traffic? “Thank You, Lord, that You are patient.” Feeling overwhelmed? “Thank You for being my peace.” Starting your morning? “Thank You for Your new mercies.”
When gratitude focuses on God’s character, we’re reminded that He’s the constant goodness, love, wisdom, and power that sustains us. In a world that changes on a dime, His character is a fortress. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust His heart.
Today, let’s thank God for who He is: faithful, loving, holy, and sovereign. No matter our situation, His character remains, and our gratitude becomes a declaration that our trust is in the One who is forever good. With a heart postured toward thanksgiving, we can find peace, knowing that who He is will always be more than enough.
