Are you struggling with thankfulness during this holiday? With so much turmoil in our world, how do we cultivate this feeling with so much negativity? For Thanksgiving this year, I want to focus on ways to be thankful even amid the turmoil. Let’s look at ways to find thankfulness this holiday season.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Thankfulness
Sometimes, giving thanks in difficult circumstances feels almost impossible. How can we give thanks when people are dying all around us? I get it; we don’t feel a sense of thankfulness sometimes. But, in the verse above, Paul reminds us we should always give thanks. When we do, it reminds us that God is still in control and working things out. Thankfulness allows us to refocus on the problem solver and not on the problem.
My Story of Thankfulness
In my life, I learned the importance of thankfulness when our son was born back in 1993. Unfortunately, his list of birth defects made his life expectancy very short. Each morning, I thanked God for another day with my son. When he passed away, I thanked God he was no longer suffering. This thankfulness allowed me to find joy in the moments. I still felt profound grief at the loss, but my attitude allowed me to focus on the good parts of my story.
The Ways to Thankfulness
So, how can each of us learn thankfulness in all circumstances? I think it starts with simple things. Here are some ways that I embrace thankfulness:
First Verse
Psalm 118:24 (NKJV); “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” So if we woke up today, thank God for another day of life. During this day, we can talk with or visit family or friends and brighten their day. Or we can make amends for things done wrong in the past. And don’t focus on the problems of the day; focus on the blessings.
Second Way to Thankful Hearts
Psalm 107:9 (NIV); “For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Thank God for the food that He provided for us today. But maybe it was not enough or poor quality, but still offer thanks. Some in our world go days without a meal. Learn to give thanks for what God provides.
Third Verse to Help
1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NIV); “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” Praise the Lord for the family and friends He provides in our lives, especially the ones who cover us with prayers. And God provides people in our lives to help us and encourage us. Sometimes, friends will even correct us when we stray from our faith.
Another Way to Thankfulness
Colossians 3:15 (NIV); “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” God gives us peace in our hearts even when things don’t go as expected. What an incredible blessing to allow God’s peace to fill our hearts and something we should give thanks for daily. His peace enables us to face all our tomorrows without fear.
Fifth Verse to a Thankful Heart
Psalm 103:1-4 (NIV); “1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” Thank the Lord for loving us unconditionally and forgiving us of our sins. He crowns us with love and compassion. Wow! Isn’t that worth saying thank you to God?
When Words Fail
No matter our circumstances in life, we can choose to wallow in despair or look for the silver linings God provides and thank Him for it. Are we still struggling with finding something to be thankful for in this life? Then just utter these words from 1 Chronicles 29:13 (NIV); “Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” Do this and watch how our thoughts and attitude change even if our circumstances do not.
Prayer
My Heavenly Father. I give you thanks and praise your glorious name. Teach my heart to seek ways to thank you, even when life feels extra complicated. Let me seek you and your peace in my life and learn thankfulness daily. Thank you for all the blessings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Wonderful post, Yvonne! 1 Thess 5:18 is one of my favorite verses.:-)
Thank you Priscilla. Good verse for a favorite. Blessings
Great verses, Yvonne. Thank you for sharing your testimony.
Thanks Annie. Happy Thanksgiving
Amen! Let us not reserve our thankfulness to one day each year. God’s blessings my gracious friend.
You too my friend. Blessings
I love this. You are right that we can be thankful about certain things even in the hardest of situation! May we cultivate more and more gratitude ALWAYS.
Thank you Jessica. Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks, Yvonne, for this heartfelt message. Your testimony is a blessing. God bless.
Thank you Nancy
I loved these Scriptures of thanksgiving! God’s Word can help us refocus our thoughts on those blessings God HAS given. I appreciate how you shared the story of your son and how God helped you be thankful for the blessings you did receive. While at the same time, acknowledging the pain of such a loss and that pain still hurts. Thank you for the honesty and beautiful heart, Yvonne. You are an inspiration.
Thank you Melissa. I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with blessings
I’m sorry about your son, Yvonne. I pray for friends and myself to see God working in hard circumstances. Thank you for encouraging us to look to Him and look for what He can do and be grateful.
Thanks Katy. All that happens is for God’s glory.
Wonderful message! Amen. Praise Him always. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Amen. Thank you Melissa and God bless
I love the way you pull relevant scripture together for us: life, food, family/friends, etc.
Thanks so much Cathy. Blessings to you.
While I reveled in joyful time with family and friends over Thanksgiving, God brought me in contact with people who don’t have that option at this time. Your story was comfort that each of us can express thankfulness and praise even in tough times. Instead of feeling bad for them (empathizing is good but not pity) I will pray that they and I act on these verses.
So very true Barb. It is an important lesson and good job on thinking about others and praying for them. Blessings to you