Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 106:1 (NKJV))

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching – a time for family gatherings and expressions of gratitude. (And a time to wonder, Where did 2023 go?) It can be hard to give thanks if you’re going through a difficult season. Yet, God wants us to give thanks “in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)).

It’s challenging to have a thankful heart when we’re focused on the bad stuff or the hard things. Although our feelings are very real, they can keep us from seeing the bigger picture. Instead of showing us the truth, those feelings give us tunnel vision.

But as a born-again believer, you have a lot to be thankful for. You are God’s child, and your heavenly Father is amazing!

If you’re having trouble finding reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving, here are 20 reasons you can give thanks no matter what you’re going through. Take a moment to look up the verse for each one. Then meditate on how awesome that truth is!

God is good (Psalm 100:5).
God loves you (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16).
God is always with you (Psalm 139:7; Matthew 28:20).
God will never leave you or drop you (Hebrews 13:5).
God will strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10).
God will help you (Isaiah 41:10).
God will uphold you (Isaiah 41:10).
God is strong and mighty (Psalm 24:8).
You are safe in Jesus’ hand (John 10:28–29).
God thinks about you more than the number of grains of sand (Psalm 139:17–18).
God’s thoughts toward you are thoughts of peace (Jeremiah 29:11).
God hears your prayers (1 John 5:14–15).
Jesus is praying for you (Romans 8:34), and so is the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26).
God understands your thoughts (Psalm 139:2).
God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
God is conforming you into the image of His Son, Jesus (Romans 8:29).
God will complete the work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6).
Jesus is preparing a place for you so you can be with Him (John 14:2–3).
Jesus will come again (John 14:3).
One day, God will make everything new (Revelation 21:5).

So, “[e]nter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 (NKJV)). Focus on who God is and all He has done and continues to do for you. Choose to be filled with gratitude as you walk by faith with Him.

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash