Thanksgiving is almost here. It’s that time of year when we put greater emphasis on being grateful, when we contemplate all God has done and provided. But often we struggle with expressing our gratitude to God. Sometimes we allow the busyness of the season to derail us from slowing down long enough to recognize God’s gifts. And sadly other times we fail to thank God for His many gifts because we take too many things for granted.

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to thank Him for all He has done and all He has given. He deserves our constant praise and gratitude. Even in times of trial and difficulty. Although you may agree, you may also have trouble thinking of more than just a few things for which to thank God. I’ve been there too!

So, I designed this post to be practical and helpful. I spent some time searching God’s Word for specific ways we can express gratitude to God. After I lay a little bit of a biblical foundation for gratitude I share a 25-Day Thanksgiving guide. It’s FREE to download, print, and use. So keep reading!

Thanking God in Hard Times

Perhaps this year has been hard for you and gratitude is the last thing on your mind. The apostle Paul knew about thanking God in hard times. Trials, difficulty, and persecution filled his life. Yet he not only purposefully practiced thanksgiving he also called the church to a constant attitude of gratitude even in times of difficulty. For instance, when the church in Thessalonica suffered persecution, Paul wrote:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

And from prison in Rome, Paul encouraged the Philippians:

“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.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

Paul knew that even when our physical circumstances are dire, God is present and God is working for our good and His glory. Purposefully focusing on giving Him thanks opens the door to joy and peace even in the midst of heartache and struggle. (See “Thankful Even Now.”)

Why Should We be Thankful?

Several Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “thank,” “thanks,” and “thanksgiving” in the Bible. However, they all reflect the truth that our good God deserves the gratitude and praise of His people. Thankfulness is the right response to God and His grace in our lives. (If you’d like to create a reminder for yourself to thank God often see “The Gratitude Whistle Stop.“)

God wants our thanksgiving and commands us to be thankful. He doesn’t need anything from us but He does expect us to respond to who He is and what He does with gratitude.

I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice; I don’t need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:13-15, NLT

We don’t deserve anything, yet God provides. We don’t deserve forgiveness or salvation, yet God extends it. Every good thing in our lives is an act of grace from our loving and merciful heavenly Father. Even strength and endurance in times of difficulty are grace gifts from God.

Giving thanks to God for His mercy and kindness is a blessing and a privilege. It shifts our attitude and makes us more aware of God’s activity in our lives. It humbles us and allows us to see just how truly great our God is! (See also “Gratitude is Essential to Peace” and “God is Good Even in Loss.”)

A Thanksgiving Guide

We may all feel a little rusty when it comes to thanking and praising God. So, I’ve put together a 25-day Thanksgiving Guide. It will take you from today through Thanksgiving Day. (Of course you can start and end it anytime you want!) Use the Scriptures and prompts to thank God for what He provides and how He works in your life and the world. The day’s Scripture passage can be read before you pray or as part of your prayer. Pray quietly by yourself, with your family, or both!

DOWNLOAD THE 25-DAY THANKSGIVING GUIDE

Let’s give each other some prompts for thanksgiving now! Share something to praise or thank God for in the comments!

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