Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
November is in full swing, and with that comes Thanksgiving. It is the season of gratitude. For some people, gratitude is a way for them to stay grounded. Many people wake up in the morning, and the first thing they do is thank God. Just a simple “Thank you, God,” helps people go through their days. At the Thanksgiving table, people rack their brains pondering what they are grateful for, but maybe they are just overthinking this simple question.
When people hear the word gratitude or thankfulness, they think about the big things, like holidays, time with family, or even blessings. But gratitude is not just in the big moments; it can be in the small moments like laughing with friends, the food on the table, or even just breathing fresh air. According to John Piper from Desiring God, “It’s a feeling, an emotion, and affection in the heart that rises spontaneously in response to receiving something that will increase our enjoyment of Christ.” Scripture often calls us to be thankful and grateful for God.
It can be so easy to focus on the negatives. The math test next period, work after school, or homework. Instead of focusing on the negative in life, focus on the good that God gives. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17). Gratitude is important because it helps us stay humble in our lives. Imagine going on a trip to Greece, eating amazing food, seeing beautiful sights, and buying cute souvenirs. But when you come home and all of your friends ask how the trip was, and you respond, “I mean, it was alright.” People would sound ungrateful. Their friends would probably think that they do not appreciate the circumstances of the trip. Colorado Christian College states, “The Bible has long emphasized the importance of gratitude. Scripture encourages us to thank God in all circumstances, promising peace and joy. The Bible speaks of gratitude as a pathway to experiencing God’s peace that surpasses all understanding.” It is important to remember that all gifts have meaning and have a purpose. The things that do not seem like important things are still gifts from God. “Consider how everything that we have is a gift. If we know that we are sinners, then everything we have is an undeserved gift. Not just a few things here and there — everything,” said John Piper from Desiring God. Having gratitude can help us transform into a better version of ourselves. By being grateful, we open ourselves up to these gifts and allow God to work in our hearts.
So this Thanksgiving, think about the small things. The food on the table and in the fridge, the breath that you breathe, or even the pencil that you use in English class.
