A Thanksgiving Heart at All Times

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 107:1 (NKJV)

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, our hearts naturally turn toward gratitude, but are we truly grateful?  Do we really appreciate the depth of God’s goodness? Or is it only when we stop and reflect how faithfully He has carried us through the years?

When I look back over the past year, I’m reminded of the many ways God has blessed me and those in my life.  He sees me, cares for me, and listens to me.  He lovingly orchestrates every detail of my life for my good (Romans 8:28).  His love is intentional, steady, and unfailing.

As I ponder this, I’m reminded of my own desire as a mother—to meet every need my children have, to care for them, to support them, and to guide them.  However,  there are days when I simply don’t have the strength, the energy, or the resources to be everything they need.  On the days when I give all that I can, their responses are sometimes minimal—a slight “thank you”, a quick shrug, or even disregard.

Then I recall the times that I have done this with my Heavenly Father.

How often has God provided, rescued, or blessed me, only for me to move on with little regard?  How many times have I walked in my own way, then needed Him to lift me out of the situations I had created?  Yet, despite my shortcomings, He continues to love, to help, and to pour out grace.  What a patient Father.

The truth is, God doesn’t owe us anything.  We don’t earn His goodness.  It is purely His unmerited favor—His grace—that sustains us.  His love never changes.  He keeps showing up for us -  again and again.

Our response to that kind of faithfulness should be obedience—not out of obligation, but out of gratitude.  A grateful heart naturally leans toward God, desires to honor Him, and seeks to walk in His ways.

As we move into this Thanksgiving season, with so much turmoil in the world, let us pause and truly consider our lives.  Where are we?  How has God carried us?  Where might we be today if it were not for the grace of God?

May our hearts be filled with thanksgiving every day—not just for what God has done, but for who He is, and may our gratitude lead us into a deeper relationship with Him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer

Father, we come before You with grateful hearts.  Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your patience, and Your unending love.  Forgive us for the times we have taken Your blessings for granted or wandered from Your ways.  Help us to walk in obedience—not to earn Your favor, but in response to Your grace.  As we move through this Thanksgiving season, open our eyes to Your goodness and teach us to live with a spirit of gratitude.  May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.