I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving.
— Psalm 69:30 

Have you ever wondered how two people raised in the same home, with the same parents, and near the same age can have completely different perspectives on life? This shows that our outlook is determined by more than just our circumstances. Our attitude can transcend our environment. With God’s help, we can control our mindset.

You may know people who seem to have everything yet are bitter and depressed. Meanwhile, others who have very little materially radiate with joy. How do we explain the difference? The fact is, we choose our attitude, and it has far more power over our lives than any storm we may face. I know a man who grew up in tough circumstances. He does not have much money, and he has some significant challenges. But every time I ask him how he is, he says, “Better than I deserve.” He is grateful and thankful just to be alive.

We have so much to be thankful for. If we will focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we will see the cup is half-full, not half-empty. Beloved one, we can walk in victory or defeat; our attitude is up to us. Father God has “set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live.”¹ Let us choose to be thankful and magnify the Lord, for this brings peace, joy, and life.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Entering His Presence (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2023), Used by permission.