As we prepare to gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to step into the presence of God with hearts overflowing with gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday—it’s a lifestyle, a posture, a declaration of faith that says, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5). When you reflect on your life—the mountains God has brought you over, the valleys He’s carried you through, and the doors of opportunity He’s opened—you can’t help but worship Him with a thankful heart.
Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Paul doesn’t tell us to be thankful for everything, but in everything. Did you catch that? You may not be thankful for the storm, but in the storm, you can still lift your hands and give God glory! You may not be thankful for the battle, but in the battle, you can declare, “God, I trust You!” Your thanks is not about denying the pain—it’s about defying the enemy. Your praise is not tied to your circumstances—they’re tied to Christ! Therefore, "in everything," we can still find ways to give God thanks.
The fact that you are reading this is proof of His faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." God, who is rich in mercy, has kept you safe; His amazing grace holds you, and His redeeming love restores you.
Therefore, don’t just thank God for the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie—thank Him for the gift of salvation, for waking you up this morning, and for giving you an unshakable and full of glory hope!
This Thanksgiving, may our hearts overflow with gratitude—not just for the blessings we see but for the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Missional Until He Comes,
Dr. David L. Sampson
Titus 1:3