A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanksgiving invites us to pause in a world that rarely slows down. The pace of life pulls us from one task to another, one worry to the next, and without even noticing it, our hearts begin to drift toward complaint, comparison, or self-reliance. Yet Scripture quietly calls us back to something far better: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1). Thanksgiving is not an annual holiday—it’s an opportunity to reorder the heart toward God.

Gratitude begins with remembering. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly instructed His people to remember what He had done for them—how He had rescued, provided, protected, and sustained them. When they remembered, they worshiped. When they forgot, they grumbled. Our hearts aren’t much different. True thanksgiving is not rooted in how smooth life feels right now but in the unchanging character of God. He is good. He is faithful. Gratitude grows when we intentionally remember God’s faithfulness.

Thanksgiving also challenges the illusion of self-sufficiency. In Deuteronomy 8, God warned His people not to forget Him once they entered the land of abundance. He knew their temptation would be to look around at full cupboards, peaceful homes, and fruitful fields and say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But Thanksgiving humbles us and reminds us that every good gift is ultimately from the Father above. When we give thanks, we confess that we are receivers, not owners; stewards, not sources.

A grateful heart also keeps us from the trap of comparison. Gratitude opens our eyes to what God has already entrusted to us instead of what He hasn’t. It roots us in the present instead of the perceived perfection of someone else’s story. When we cultivate thankfulness, we begin to notice blessings we once walked past: morning mercies, answered prayers, unexpected encouragements, moments of peace where anxiety once ruled. Gratitude makes the invisible visible.

Most importantly, thanksgiving is a way we experience God Himself. Psalm 100:4 teaches us that we “enter His gates with thanksgiving.” Gratitude isn’t just a nice attitude—it’s an entry point into God’s presence. When we thank Him, our hearts soften, our worries shrink, and our perspective aligns with His truth. Thanksgiving turns our focus from what is uncertain to the One who never changes.

As you gather this season—around a table, with family, with friends, or even in quiet solitude—take time to remember God’s faithfulness. Let gratitude become more than a moment; let it become the rhythm of your heart. For the God who has carried you this far will carry you still. And as you give thanks, you’ll find that gratitude doesn’t just acknowledge what God has done—it opens your heart to trust Him for what He will do next.

Discussion Questions:

1. What has God changed in your life for which you are grateful?
2. What keeps you from thankfulness?
3. How can you foster a thankful heart?