Giving Thanks in Tough Times
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This piece is AI-free. These words are my creation without the mechanics of non-human artificial intelligence.
There is much going on in our world right now. You may be feeling anxious or afraid. In this Thanksgiving season, will you find it challenging to give thanks?
What we are dealing with is affecting individuals everywhere. Rising costs. Governmental strife. Immigration. Thoughts of impending war. But we are in this together.
We’re facing individual battles, as well. You may have lost someone dear to you. Perhaps you’ve lost your job or are working reduced hours with fewer benefits. It may be the struggle of emotional stress that’s weighing you down.
In uncertain times like these, how do we express thankfulness? Here are proven ways in which Christians demonstrate thanksgiving and praise.
We begin our day by offering thanks to God.
We give Him thanks as we read His Word.
We praise the Lord during times of prayer.
We express our gratitude through worship.
As believers, God calls us to be a thankful people. The Christian life is meant to be lived in thanksgiving. Our hearts and minds are lifted as we honor God with our praise.
We know these things, but still, there are times when it’s hard to put them into practice.
If you struggle with giving thanks this Thanksgiving, the following list may help. And remember, friend, we are in this together. May God increase thankfulness in our hearts—more and more.
10 Ways to Give Thanks
Be thankful you are a child of God.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God.” John 1.12-13 (NASB)
Be thankful for the peace that comes from Christ.
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3.15 (NLT)
Be thankful for your brothers and sisters in the faith.
“I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the world.” Romans 1.8 (NASB)
Be thankful for God’s love.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 107.1 (NLT)
Be thankful for the freedom to worship and give Him praise.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” Psalm 100.4 (NASB)
Be thankful He hears your prayers.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4.6-7 (NASB)
Be thankful God gives us the victory.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15.57 (NASB)
Be thankful for the opportunity to tell of what He’s done.
“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.” 1 Chronicles 16.8 (NASB)
Be thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3.16 (NASB)
Be thankful the Lord is faithful to all generations.
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and His faithfulness is to all generations.” Psalm 100.5 (NASB)
Friend, we have much to be thankful for. May you feel God close as you praise Him for Who He is and what He has done.
I’m filled with gratitude this morning, thankful for work to do and the strength to do it! And thankful that your words are AI free! (Do we really have to say that now? I guess we do...)