In five days, most of us will consume a lot of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie in the name of gratitude. Thanksgiving is traditionally a celebration feast with family and friends around that theme of gratitude. After all, “giving thanks” is right there in the title. 

As believers, we are commanded to give thanks continually. But even if the emphasis on gratitude isn’t a drastic shift for us, it’s still good to evaluate our hearts and see where we might need some growth. Here are a few practices I’m leaning into this week… 

1. Thank Him for the good. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

If it's in your life and it’s good, it’s from God. Every person, every provision, every beautiful thing, your experience of creation, every moment of joy and laughter are gifts from the Father. Loved ones, jobs, shelter, warmth, and food on the table… each one should spark thankfulness in our hearts. 

2. Thank Him for the hard. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Some seasons are harder than others. Gratitude isn’t always the most dominant quality of our hearts. I think about Paul, pleading with God to remove the “thorn” in his flesh. He referred to it as a “messenger of Satan.” Those are strong words for a guy who was stoned, shipwrecked, and regularly chased out of towns. But the thorn remained. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) 

Gratitude can sometimes feel like a tall order. But as believers, we can (and must) be grateful that His grace is sufficient for us, that his strength is at its best when we are weak. With Christ, our suffering is never for nothing. 

3. Thank Him for who He is. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 

If we had nothing else but Him, it should be enough to burst our hearts with gratitude. Our Maker, our Father, our Savior. 

I pray your Thanksgiving holiday is filled with joy and gratitude. Perhaps these reminders will help orient your week toward a thankful heart, as they are mine. 

One last reminder: don’t forget to thaw out that turkey. 

By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters in college, Brynn and Katy.