Being thankful isn’t just for the Thanksgiving holiday. Scripture tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens and worried about tomorrow, we can praise God for who He is and His promise to never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:6). We have been blessed with the free gift of salvation and eternal life!

It is God’s will that we give thanks in ALL circumstances. No matter how much we have, or how little, we are to thank God for all that He provides; even our trials. “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7)

Those words can be difficult to live up to when we are in the midst of a trial. It’s human nature to think on our circumstances, and when things aren’t going well it’s difficult to give thanks. The Lord’s Word gives us the “how to”: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

How do we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? We keep our eyes on the Lord, count our blessings, and praise His name. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” (Ps. 100:4)