It’s finally November, which means you’ll soon see countless verses, notes and quotes about giving thanks all over social media and home décor. But as we look around our world today, do you find it difficult to be thankful? Uncertainty continues regarding a global pandemic. Food and gas prices are higher than ever. No one is quite certain what the next season holds. Maybe it’s been a challenging period for you personally with family struggles or career obstacles. So as we speed toward that holiday in late November focused on gratitude, are you struggling to come up with something to be thankful for? Together, let’s explore some passages of Scripture and realize that there are countless reasons to be thankful today.
1. BE THANKFUL FOR GOD'S LOVE
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
In a world full of anger, hatred, and division, love seems to be in short supply. But not for our God. Our own love may waver from day to day, according to our ever-changing circumstances and volatile emotions. However, God’s unconditional love is a constant thing. Notice how the verse doesn’t say “His steadfast love endures as long as you do everything perfectly,” or “…until you have another parenting fail.” He is good. He is perfect. He’s an incredible Heavenly Father who parents like no other. Therefore, His love for you doesn’t cease every time you don’t live up to His standard of holiness. It endures forever.
2. GIVE THANKS FOR GOD'S PROVISION
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:31-34
If you struggled financially this year, know that you’re not alone. Many have experienced the same financial difficulty in uncertain times. However, if you’ve still had all you needed, that’s a reason to praise God this Thanksgiving. He sees your need long before you do, and is already making a way to provide. Maybe He gave you the wisdom to cut back. Or maybe He miraculously provided through those around you. For those who seek Him first, His provision is worth our gratitude not just at Thanksgiving, but all year long.
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3. BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Early in their letter to the church in Philippi, Paul and Timothy express thankfulness to God for the church. Because they understood the value of other believers in their lives, they saw those relationships as something to be thankful for. God gives us other believers in our lives to encourage us, strengthen us, refine us, helping us be more like Jesus.
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4. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WORD
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Have you thought before about the miracle of the Scripture that you and I can hold in our hands? The very words of God, recorded and preserved over generations, then translated into a language we can understand. What a blessing it is to have our Bibles! And we can use it to share the message of Jesus with others and help transform our minds, behaviors, and our very hearts into something pleasing to the Lord.
5. BE THANKFUL FOR GOD'S GLORY TO COME
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” – Romans 8:18
Has this season been one of discouragement and disappointment for you? If so, there’s still a reason for hope and thanksgiving. We know that one day, the sufferings of today will end. This temporary life will one day be over, He will wipe away every tear, and we’ll know the neverending joy of seeing Him face to face. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait until that happens to be thankful. We can rest in the comfort of that promise today and give thanks that He will fulfill it.
RELATED: If you’ve struggled with disappointment lately, check out 4 Encouraging Verses to Remember.
