A Heart of Thanksgiving
Psalms 107:1 emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God not only in times of abundance but also during challenges, recognizing His unchanging love and faithfulness. Practicing gratitude as a spiritual discipline helps shift our perspective, allowing us to see God’s goodness in all circumstances and respond to His enduring presence with a thankful heart.
Gabriel Colina
11/28/20242 min read
Scripture:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” —Psalm 107:1 (NIV)
As we enter into the season of Thanksgiving, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings we’ve received throughout the year. It’s easy to give thanks when things are going well, when we have plenty of food on the table, health in our bodies, and joy in our hearts. But what about when things aren’t going as smoothly, when life feels uncertain or even overwhelming? Is giving thanks still possible in those moments?
Psalm 107 opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and His enduring love. Notice that the psalmist doesn’t suggest we give thanks only when things are easy, but rather calls us to praise God because of who He is. God’s goodness and love are not dependent on our circumstances. Whether we experience joy or sorrow, we are invited to recognize that God’s love never fails.
The act of giving thanks, especially in the hard times, has the power to change our perspective. It’s easy to focus on what’s lacking, what’s going wrong, or what we wish was different. Yet, the Bible teaches us that in all things, we can choose gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice that Paul doesn’t say “give thanks for all circumstances,” but “in all circumstances.” Even in trials and hardship, there is always something to be thankful for. God’s presence, His promises, and His faithfulness to us remain constant, even when life feels unstable.
Thanksgiving is not just a one-time event or a passing feeling, it’s a spiritual discipline that requires intentionality. The more we practice gratitude, the more we begin to notice God’s goodness in every moment, large and small. When we cultivate a heart of giving thanks, we start to see the ordinary as extraordinary—the breath in our lungs, the warmth of a smile, the beauty of a sunrise, the strength to carry on. These are all gifts from God, and each one is worth thanking Him for.
The ultimate reason to give thanks is God’s unchanging faithfulness. He has been faithful through the ages, and He will be faithful in our lives today and tomorrow. Psalm 107 goes on to recount the many ways God delivered His people— through times of wilderness, captivity, or danger. And just as He has been faithful to them, He is faithful to us. Counting our blessings is a response to His faithfulness and a recognition of His constant presence in our lives.
This Thanksgiving, let us remember that the true essence is not about the things we have, but about the God who gives back to us. Let us give thanks not just with our words, but with our hearts, knowing that His love endures forever.
