Expression of a Thankful Heart
My Heart
This is the only poem I’ve ever co-written—written with my late brother, Bill.
Sometimes, I really miss him. But I hold onto the hope that one day I’ll see him again when I step foot in Heaven. Then, we’ll write more poetry and songs together. I look forward to that day with all my heart.
If I’m honest, it’s not always easy to feel thankful—especially since I struggle with depression.
Sometimes, even opening my mouth to say "thank you" feels like climbing a mountain, especially in the mornings.
That’s usually when my mind drifts toward what I lack, accompanied by thoughts that life is just too heavy to carry.
Over time, I’ve found that keeping a gratitude list helps. Every morning, I read through it and thank God for the blessings in my life.
And I’ve noticed something—when I do that, I feel lighter, more centered, and even a little more hopeful.
Let me share part of that list with you. Feel free to borrow anything for your own gratitude list:
I’m thankful for Jesus, and that He died on the cross for me.
I’m grateful that, through the cross, I can have an intimate relationship with Him.
Because of the cross, I have the promise of Heaven.
I’m thankful for my friends and family—they’ve seen me at both my best and my worst, and still choose to stay.
I’m thankful for my home. It keeps me dry. It’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
I’m grateful for my dog, Jack—faithful, loving, always by my side.
I’m thankful for my car—it’s dependable and hasn’t broken down on me..
For Your Heart
What could you give to God that’s more valuable to Him than money?
Your thanks.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Why does He want our thanks?
Because He is the Giver of all good things.
James 1:17 reminds us: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…”
When we give thanks to God, we’re acknowledging His goodness—even in hard times.
Sometimes when we’re down, we need to go on a treasure hunt—searching for that one thing to be thankful for.
And once we find it, it often leads to more. Gratitude has a way of multiplying itself.
So if you’re feeling discouraged or depressed, try this:
Start by thanking God for just one thing.
Then another.
And another.
I promise, you’ll begin to feel a little better. Maybe not all at once—but the weight will start to lift.
Now, read the poem Bill and I wrote below for a little inspiration.
Thank You, Lord
Thank you Lord for being there (for me) in the nights I did not care
and thank you Lord for loving me (so much) unconditionally.
Thank you, Lord, for cleansing me (so clean) of all my sin and inequity
you are the king of Kings eternally.
Thank you Lord for fellowship (with you) and thank you Lord for prayer
and thank you Lord for all of my friends (you sent) who really, truly care.
Thank you, Lord most of all (thank you) for dying on the cross
while taking upon yourself my loss.
Thank you, Lord, for your holiness that shall never (ever) cease
and thank you Lord for the gift of heaven’s eternal peace.
Thank you, Lord, that there will be no more sorrow, no more pain
and throughout the ages, you have and will remain the same
(you will never change).
(thank you, Jesus)
Thank you, Lord
(thank you, Jesus)
Thank you, Lord
THANK YOU, LORD
Written by,
Jeff Dalton
Bill Rowland
and most of all Jesus Christ.
