“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18
There’s something honest and true about the morning after Thanksgiving. The table has been cleared, leftovers packed away, and the noise of the day softens into ordinary time. And that ordinary time is exactly where gratitude must live if it’s to be authentic—not just on a holiday but in the everyday.
Paul’s simple command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is extremely broad—give thanks in all circumstances. He doesn’t say “give thanks for the easy days” or “give thanks when everything goes right.” He calls followers of Jesus to a posture of thanks regardless of our situation. Why? Because gratitude reorders our vision. It trains us to see God’s presence, provision, and purpose even when the circumstances look confusing or painful.
Here are three short reminders to help us practice gratitude beyond the holiday:
–Remember who God is. Gratitude begins with God’s character: He is good, faithful, present, and sovereign. When we fix our eyes on Him, our complaints grow quieter and our praise grows louder.
–Reflect on what God has done. Memory is a spiritual discipline. Recalling answered prayers, his rescue in hard seasons, and simple mercies helps faith and thankfulness to grow. The Israelites were commanded to remember—and so are we.
–Respond with thanksgiving in the small things. Gratitude is learned in ordinary moments: a warm cup of coffee, a friend’s text, a restful night, a child’s laugh. Paul’s command becomes doable when we start small and practice regularly.
Gratitude is like changing the lens on a professional grade camera. The scene doesn’t always change, but the way we see it does. When we focus on God’s goodness, colors become brighter and burdens blur in the background becoming more bearable because we know they’re seen and held by Him.
Lord Jesus, thank You for who You are—loving, faithful, and near. Forgive us for the times we take Your blessings for granted. Teach us to live with hearts that notice and praise You every day, not just on special occasions. Give us eyes to see Your goodness, ears to hear Your voice, and mouths that will give thanks in all circumstances. Use our gratitude to deepen our trust and to point others to You. In Your name, Amen.
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