Thankful people are surely the happiest people.

My sister, Beth, is one of those people. She exudes a positive and grateful spirit. People enjoy being around her because she brings her joy into every room she enters. She genuinely loves people and shows real interest in others. So how can she be like this?

She has learned to thank God for everything — even in her trials. She gives her cares to God, and His joy becomes her joy!

“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory… But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.” Psalm 50:14–15, 23 NLT

Since God tells us to be thankful in everything, that means everything He allows has purpose.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 NKJV

It’s our choice. We can thank Him in the hard times and the good times. When we let go of being the boss, it takes a tremendous amount of pressure off our lives. And it brings our Father great pleasure!

Thankfulness shows we trust our God to be in control. We don’t have to be in control — nor could we be. We live by His power and grace. Thankful words emanate from a grateful heart.

So there’s one phrase that should come from both our heart and our lips, often:

Thank you!