Being Thankful: More Than a Holiday Feeling

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving comes once a year, but thankfulness was never meant to be a once-a-year event. For the believer, gratitude is not just a holiday tradition—it is a lifestyle, a posture of the heart, and a powerful testimony to a watching world.

In a world that often focuses on what’s missing, God invites us to focus on what He has already done. Thanksgiving in Scripture is not limited to good days, full tables, and easy seasons. It is rooted in who God is, not just in how life feels.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Being thankful isn’t always natural, but it is always possible—because our God is always faithful.

1. Thankfulness Is the Will of God

Many people ask, “What is God’s will for my life?” Scripture answers part of that question very clearly:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”— 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NKJV)

God’s will isn’t only about where we live, what job we take, or which decisions we make. It is also about the attitude of our hearts. Gratitude is not an optional extra for “super saints”; it is God’s will for every believer.

When we live thankful lives:

• We honor God by acknowledging His goodness.

• We push back against worry by choosing praise instead of fear.

• We witness to others that our hope is in God, not in circumstances.

Thankfulness doesn’t deny reality; it declares that God is greater than what we see.

2. Thankfulness Remembers the Giver

On Thanksgiving, we often list our blessings: family, friends, food, health, income, and more. Those are good things—but Scripture reminds us to look beyond the gifts and remember the Giver.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”— James 1:17 (NKJV)

Every breath we breathe, every meal on the table, every moment of peace, every answered prayer—these are not accidents. They are gifts from a good Father.

Jesus illustrated this powerfully in the story of the ten lepers:

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.”— Luke 17:15–16 (NKJV)

Ten were healed. Only one came back to say “thank You.” The miracle was the same for all ten, but the relationship was different for the one who returned.

Thankfulness doesn’t just enjoy the blessing—it turns around and runs back to Jesus.

3. Thankfulness in Every Season (Not Just the Good Ones)

It’s easy to be thankful when the table is full and life is going well. The challenge comes when:

• The chair at the table is empty this year.

• The report from the doctor wasn’t what we hoped.

• The bills are higher than the income.

• The future feels uncertain.

Even then, God’s Word calls us to give thanks in everything, not necessarily for everything.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV)

We don’t thank God for pain, sin, or loss. But we can thank Him in the middle of it because:

• He is with us in the valley.

• He is working all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

• He never changes, even when life does.

Thankfulness in hard times doesn’t mean we pretend everything is fine; it means we choose to focus on the God who is still on the throne.

4. Thankfulness Changes Our Perspective

Thankfulness doesn’t always change our situation—but it often changes us.

When we give thanks:

• Our focus shifts from what we lack to what we have in Christ.

• Our hearts move from complaining to contentment.

• Our minds move from anxiety to peace.

Paul wrote some of his most powerful words about rejoicing and thanksgiving while in prison (Philippians). His circumstances were harsh, but his perspective was heavenly.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”— Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)

Gratitude invites the peace of God to “rule” in our hearts like an umpire—calling out anxiety, fear, and bitterness, and letting the peace of Christ have the final say.

5. Practicing Thankfulness at Thanksgiving (and Beyond)

Gratitude is more than a feeling; it is a practice. Here are some practical ways to live a thankful life during the Thanksgiving season and all year long:

1. Start and End the Day with Thanks

Begin the day by thanking God for at least three specific blessings. End the day the same way.

• “Lord, thank You for another day of life.”

• “Thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life.”

• “Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness.”

2. Turn Worries into Prayers

Whenever a worry comes to mind, don’t just think it—pray it.

• “Lord, I’m concerned about this situation, but I thank You that You are in control.”

• “I don’t know how this will work out, but I thank You that You are faithful.”

Thanksgiving attached to prayer opens the door to God’s peace (Philippians 4:6–7).

3. Speak Gratitude Out Loud

Tell people you appreciate them:

• “I thank God for you.”

• “Your kindness has blessed me.”

• “I’m grateful for the way you serve, love, or encourage.”

Thankfulness spoken out loud strengthens relationships and glorifies God.

4. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Write down daily what you’re thankful for. On difficult days, read back through previous entries and remind yourself: “God has been faithful, and He still is.”

5. Make Thanksgiving Christ-Centered

Around the Thanksgiving table:

• Read a Scripture about thankfulness (Psalm 107:1; Colossians 3:15–17; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

• Invite each person to share one thing they’re thankful to God for this year.

• Take a moment to pray together, not just for the meal, but in praise to God.

6. The Greatest Reason to Be Thankful

While we thank God for food, family, and daily blessings, the greatest reason for our gratitude is Jesus Himself.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”— 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

Because of Jesus:

• Our sins can be forgiven.

• We have peace with God.

• We have a living hope beyond the grave.

• We are never truly alone.

Even if everything else was stripped away, Christ alone would still be enough reason to be thankful today and for all eternity.

HDDJr