We Have A Lot to Be Thankful For
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday or a meal shared around a table; it is a posture of the heart that invites us to reflect on God’s goodness. It’s a spiritual practice that draws us closer to His presence and aligns us with His will.
Over the years, I’ve realized that Thanksgiving is a lifeline even in the midst of challenges, losses, and grief. It reminds us that God is sovereign, faithful, and merciful. Like many of you, I’ve faced seasons where gratitude felt like a discipline rather than a delight. But through God’s redemptive power, those moments became opportunities for growth and intimacy with Him.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse doesn’t suggest that we should be thankful for all circumstances but rather in them. Why? Because we serve a God who turns mourning into joy, ashes into beauty, and death into eternal life.
When I meditate on Hebrews 11 and the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us—those who endured trials yet remained steadfast—I am encouraged to focus on the eternal. These heroes of faith lived lives marked by thanksgiving and trust in God’s promises, even when they could not see the full picture.
Here are just a few reasons I find myself overflowing with gratitude:
• I am thankful for the grace that sustains me daily.
• I am thankful for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
• I am thankful for the legacy of faith that connects us to believers past, present, and future.
• I am thankful for the Holy Spirit, our comforter and guide.
• I am thankful for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
• I am thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
A Strategy for Practicing Thanksgiving
In a world full of distractions, how do we cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude? Here’s a simple plan:
1. Start Your Day with Praise
Before you pick up your phone or begin your tasks, pause and thank God for who He is. Reflect on His character—His faithfulness, goodness, and love.
2. Write Down Your Gratitude
Keep a journal by your bedside or in your favorite prayer spot. Each day, write down five things you’re thankful for. Be specific and intentional.
3. Memorize Scripture
Anchor your heart with verses like Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
4. Share with Others
Make it a family tradition to share what you’re thankful for. During meals or gatherings, invite everyone to reflect on God’s blessings.
5. Worship Through Song
Music has a way of shifting the atmosphere. Sing or listen to songs that remind you of God’s goodness, like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” or “Goodness of God.”
6. Pray with Thanksgiving
When you pray, start with thanksgiving. This aligns your heart with God’s will and reminds you of His provision, even as you bring your requests to Him.
A Final Thought
Beloved sisters, as we gather this Thanksgiving season, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In Him, we find every reason to give thanks. Let’s take a moment to celebrate not just the blessings we see but also the unseen hand of God working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
What are you thankful for today? Take time to reflect, write, or share your gratitude with someone else. Let thanksgiving become your weapon of warfare, your song of deliverance, and your declaration of faith.
I encourage you to explore Christian Momma’s newest YouVersion Bible Plan, Thanksgiving: A Weapon of War, to help prepare your heart for this Thanksgiving season.
I’m so grateful for each of you and the unique ways God is using you to bring His light into the world.
Have a week filled with purpose and praise and don’t forget to download the Christian Mommas App for more resources and tools such as meditation to renew your subconscious mind and manifest your warrior identity.
