prepare
Psalm 100:4
Grace and peace be with you right now friend! Thanksgiving might bring to mind turkey feasts, family gatherings, and football games, but it’s so much more than a day marked on the calendar. For children of God, Thanksgiving is a lifestyle, a rhythm of the heart, and a powerful way to encounter God daily. It’s about gratitude, abundance, and living with open hands and hearts. Let’s dig into why Thanksgiving should go beyond the pumpkin pie and into every fiber of our being.
the gateway to joy
Have you ever noticed how being truly thankful shifts your mood? Gratitude has the unique ability to break chains of anxiety, comparison, and negativity. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we choose gratitude, we’re not just saying “thank you” — we’re stepping into God’s joy. Imagine starting every day by listing three things you’re grateful for. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your heart, aligning your spirit with heaven’s abundance.
gratitude isn’t seasonal — it’s spiritual
It’s tempting to save our thankfulness for November when the world feels cozy and warm. But what if we carried Thanksgiving into February’s chill or July’s heat? Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”
Gratitude invites us into God’s presence. It’s not dependent on circumstances; it’s anchored in who God is. Even in the hardest moments, when life feels like anything but a celebration, thanksgiving becomes a weapon. It declares, “God, You are still good, and I trust You.”
open the door to abundance
The world tells us we’re one step away from lack — “You need more money, more likes, more success.” But a thankful heart says, “I have enough because God is enough.” The miracle of the loaves and fishes began with Jesus giving thanks (John 6:11). Gratitude multiplied what seemed small into something extraordinary.
When we practice Thanksgiving daily, we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. We see God’s fingerprints on our lives and realize how blessed we truly are.
practical ways to live a life of thanksgiving
Here are some simple yet powerful ways to keep Thanksgiving alive all year long:
Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
Thank-You Notes: Send a text, card, or email to someone who’s blessed you recently.
Worship Through Gratitude: Listen to songs like “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake or “Thank You Jesus” by Hillsong Worship to lift your spirit.
Serve Others: Nothing says “thankful” like giving back. Volunteer, donate, or lend a helping hand.
the ultimate thanksgiving
Thanksgiving ultimately points us to Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross was the greatest gift of all. Through Him, we have eternal life, unshakable hope, and a love that never fails.
This season, as you gather with loved ones, pause and reflect. What are you thankful for today? How can you cultivate a heart of thanksgiving beyond the holiday?
Let’s live every day as if it’s Thanksgiving — because when gratitude leads, joy, peace, and abundance follow. Amen!
in harmony,
nancy
Pulse Check:
Invite a few friends over for a cozy evening, a “Gratitude Gathering”, and instead of just catching up, dedicate time to sharing the things you're grateful for this year. Go deep — what has God taught you through the highs and lows? By the end, you’ll leave with a full heart and a deeper connection with each other and with God.
