11/26/2025
We all have a tendency to say, “I will be thankful IF…” If I get that new job. If I get healed. If my family comes home.
But Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians to give thanks in all circumstances.
This Thanksgiving, I’m challenging you to serve the best dish at the table: Gratitude. Let’s change our mindset from “If I had” to “I am thankful EVEN THOUGH.”
Read more about finding peace this holiday season. 👇
Recently, I was praying with someone who was struggling with deep sadness. She shared the pain that her prodigal would not be attending the family’s Thanksgiving gathering. Naturally, she was having a hard time thinking about Thanksgiving without her loved one.
After we prayed, I asked her to look around and see the blessings. I named countless blessings that surrounded her right in that moment:
A warm home
Good health
A loving husband, children, and grandchildren
Food on the table
A reliable car to drive
Faith in God
The list continued on and on. By the end, we were both crying in joy and giving thanks, even though the prodigal would not be joining her gathering.
The Trap of "If I Had..."
We all do this at some point in our lives. We fall into the trap of stating:
“If I had a new car, if my prodigal returned today, if I had a new home, if I had new clothing, if I got married, if I got a new career... then I would be so thankful.”
But Scripture reminds us that gratitude shouldn't depend on our circumstances changing; it should be our posture regardless of them. Paul encourages us in 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."
A Thanksgiving Challenge
Here is my challenge for you on Thanksgiving Day: Go around your table and express what you are thankful for.
Gratitude brings peace and joy into one’s soul. This could be the "best dish" at the table—dishing out gratitude! It just might surprise you how the sadness of the “If I had” changes to “I am thankful even though…”
Happy Thanksgiving!