5 Scriptures to Help Guide Your Gratitude This Thanksgiving

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“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

This verse shows that gratitude is not optional. It encourages you to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in every situation – not because life is always easy, but because gratitude is God’s will for you. It’s easy to be grateful when things are going well, but how do you give thanks in difficult times? This passage teaches you that gratitude is not about denying difficulties but about recognizing God’s presence within them. Even in disappointment, you can thank God for the strength, wisdom, and unconditional love God gives you.

During Thanksgiving, reflect not only on the joyful moments but also on the ways God has sustained you through struggles. Practicing gratitude in all circumstances doesn’t mean pretending hardships don’t hurt. Instead, it’s a way of lifting your eyes beyond temporary struggles to focus on God’s enduring goodness. Each challenge offers an opportunity to deepen your trust in God. By giving thanks even when you don’t feel like it, you can start to see how God is at work transforming your challenges into opportunities for growth. It shifts your focus from “Why me?” to “How is God helping me grow stronger through this?”.

This Thanksgiving, consider keeping a list of all types of blessings – even the ones that came into your life through difficult situations. Thank God intentionally for lessons learned, relationships restored, or ways God strengthened you during tough seasons. This practice will not only make your gratitude more meaningful but will also allow you to experience deeper peace, knowing that God is with you in every moment – whether it’s joyful or challenging.

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2. Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

This verse reminds you that gratitude is meant to infuse every aspect of your life – not just when you’re focusing on God during prayer or in church, but all the time, through all of your words and actions. Colossians 3:17 challenges you say and do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” with an attitude of thanksgiving. This means that gratitude shouldn’t be confined to special occasions; it should become a lifestyle, transforming even the most ordinary conversations and tasks into opportunities to honor God.

Whether you’re talking with a friend, serving a meal, or doing a project at work, doing so with a spirit of thankfulness elevates them from the mundane to the meaningful. When you act with gratitude, even simple routines become part of your worship. For example, offering a prayer of thanks while cooking or encouraging someone with kind words can honor God. These small actions build habits that cultivate deeper gratitude over time. Living with gratitude also changes your perspective toward challenging tasks or relationships. When you do all things in the name of Jesus, it allows you to serve others with humility and joy, even when doing so difficult. If you’re frustrated – by work challenges, stressful family dynamics, or other struggles – this verse encourages you to shift your mindset from negative to positive. Then you can see how even challenges are a part of God’s work in your life.

So, this Thanksgiving, reflect on how your everyday words and deeds can honor God and express gratitude. Maybe it’s through giving your time to help someone in need or offering kind words to a friend or family member who needs encouragement. Anything you do in Jesus’ name – like listening patiently or serving cheerfully – can become part of your thanksgiving to God and deepen your relationship with him.

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3. Philippians 4:6-7

“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

This verse connects prayer, thanksgiving, and peace in a powerful way. Why is thanksgiving important when you’re asking for God’s help? It’s because expressing gratitude when you make requests reminds you that the God who has been faithful in the past will continue to care for you in the future. Thanksgiving doesn’t dismiss the reality of your concerns, but it reframes them in light of God’s goodness and power to provide for you. This can help you pray with greater trust, believing that God’s answers to your prayers are always part of your perfect plan and timing. As you release our worries through prayer, God replaces your anxiety with his perfect peace, which is greater than any human understanding.

As you gather with your family and friends during Thanksgiving, consider offering a time of prayer where everyone can express both their requests and things they are thankful for. This practice reinforces the truth that no matter what challenges lie ahead, you all serve a God who listens, cares, and responds. This verse’s encouragement to “present your requests with thanksgiving” reminds you to trust God with the outcome. Sometimes, you may become anxious because you want specific answers or resolutions. But giving thanks when you pray teaches you to approach prayer with open hands, knowing that God’s answers – “yes,” “no,” or “wait” – are for your ultimate good. When you thank God in advance, even before seeing the outcome, you demonstrate a faith that rests in God’s unlimited wisdom rather than your limited understanding.

This Thanksgiving, try weaving gratitude into your prayers, even when you’re facing uncertainty. Thank God not just for what he has done, but for what he will do. As you practice this, you’ll begin to experience the peace that Philippians 4:6-7 describes – a peace that guards both your heart and mind, empowering you to face life’s uncertainties with courage and trust.

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4. James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

In this powerful verse, James reminds you that every blessing in your life is a direct gift from God, who is the source of all goodness. This perspective highlights God’s character as a generous and loving Heavenly Father. When you view life through the lens of gratitude, you become more aware of the countless blessings that often go unnoticed in your life. From the warmth of the sun on a chilly day to the love of family and friends, every positive aspect of your life can be traced back to God’s goodness. This realization can help you develop a grateful heart that seeks to honor God for the many gifts – both tangible and intangible – that he gives you. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to recognizing the abundance that surrounds you.

James also emphasizes that God is unchanging, unlike “shifting shadows.” In a world that often feels uncertain and chaotic, this truth brings immense comfort. While circumstances may change so you’re facing challenges, God’s goodness remains constant. When you give thanks for the gifts you’ve received, you reaffirm your faith in a God who is faithful and unwavering. This understanding can help you to trust God more deeply, knowing that he has your best interests at heart, even when life gets tough.

During Thanksgiving, it’s vital to reflect on the specific gifts in your life. What has God provided for you this year? Think about the relationships, opportunities, and even challenges that have shaped you. Perhaps a difficult season taught you resilience, or a new friendship brought joy. Listing these gifts can be a powerful exercise, helping you see the full scope of God’s goodness in your life. Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can also enhance your awareness of God’s blessings. Try starting each day with a moment of reflection where you name three things you’re thankful for, or share them with your family during dinner. This practice can transform ordinary moments into expressions of praise, helping everyone recognize God’s continuous provision.

Sharing your gratitude with others – such as through a heartfelt note, a social media post, or a simple conversation – can amplify the joy of thanksgiving. When you celebrate God's gifts openly, it encourages others to reflect on their blessings as well. As you celebrate Thanksgiving, take time to reflect on the good and perfect gifts in your life. Allow this acknowledgment to deepen your relationship with God, making your gratitude not just a moment of the holiday, but a lifelong practice that honors God as the source of all good things.

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5. Hebrews 12:28

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28

In Hebrews 12:28, the Bible encourages believers to be thankful as they recognize the reliability of God’s kingdom. This verse contrasts the shifting nature of the world around us with the eternal, unshakeable nature of God’s reign. In a world filled with uncertainty, instability, and change, the assurance that you are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken offers profound peace and a reason to give thanks.  It also encourages you to cultivate gratitude even during the challenges you go through.

Hebrews 12:28 reminds you that despite the challenges of living in this fallen world, you can stand firm in your faith, knowing that God’s kingdom is eternal and unchanging. It also encourages you to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing that your thankfulness is not just a polite gesture but a vital expression of your faith. When you give thanks, you acknowledge God’s active role in your life. It’s an act of worship that reflects your understanding of the wonder of God’s work in your life. Incorporating this understanding into your Thanksgiving celebrations can draw you closer to God. At Thanksgiving, reflect on how God's kingdom has been evident in your life this past year. Have there been moments when you noticed God’s presence even when you were going through challenges? How have you experienced blessings or seen answers to prayer that affirmed God’s unshakeable nature? Acknowledging these moments allows you to give thanks not only for the blessings but also for the enduring hope that comes from being part of God’s kingdom.

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, create space for discussions about how each person has seen God’s faithfulness this year. Sharing testimonies of God’s provision and protection can help everyone recognize how reliable God’s kingdom is. Also, remembering that you belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken can inspire you to do acts of kindness together. This might involve volunteering at a community charity or helping a neighbor with a project. As you practice intentional kindness to thank and worship God, do so with reverence and awe, recognizing the privilege of being part of God’s eternal plan.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving is more than a one-day holiday – it’s a call to live with gratitude every day. These 5 scriptures highlight the reality that thankfulness is a powerful spiritual practice that draws you closer to God, strengthens your faith, and blesses those around you. As you celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends, let these Bible verses guide you to thank God for all of his wonderful work, and experience the joy that comes from doing so.

Related Resource: 5 Ways to Redefine Gratitude When Your Heart is Hurting

Have you ever felt judged or encouraged “to be thankful” when you share about a hard time you’re facing? Is it possible to even be thankful when your heart is hurting? In this episode of Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast, Bonnie dismantles the myth that in order to be thankful, you can’t struggle with suffering during hard seasons in life. Bonnie shares 5 ways to redefine gratitude so you can draw comfort from God and find encouragement when your heart is hurting. If this episode brings peace to the storm in your heart, be sure to subscribe to Breathe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!

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