Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to stoke the fires of gratitude in our hearts. Meditating on all that God has given us is a powerful way to combat life’s pains, frustrations and disappointments and prevent them from growing into roots of bitterness in the gardens of our lives.

The following are seven verses that remind us of the many reasons we have for being thankful. God does not call us to be thankful only when things are going well, but also when they aren’t going well. These verses give us gentle reminders that thankfulness is always best.

Slowly read through each verse and consider sharing some of your own favorite verses in the comments below.

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

In this verse, the Apostle Paul gives us three appropriate responses to every situation in our lives: rejoice, pray and give thanks. He stamps this truth on our hearts reminding us it is always God’s will for us. How different would our lives be if we responded to everything that happens in life with these three responses?

2. 1 Chronicles 16:34

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

Here we see two wonderful reasons to thank God: He is good and His steadfast love goes on forever and ever. How many human lovers can say this? God’s love continues without end. One of the best parts of being loved by God is that we never have to worry about His love running out or changing. God will never decide to stop loving us. His love is a permanent love.

3. Romans 8:32

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

This is the ultimate promise. God loves us enough to give us what is most precious to Him: Jesus Christ. In giving us his son, God gave us His very heart. If God will give us what He values most, we can be sure He will give us everything else that would be good for us.

4. Philippians 4:19

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

God will provide everything we need for Christ’s sake. Too many of us worry and fear about whether God will come through when we need him. This verse promises that God certainly will provide everything we need. We can trust in His goodness and be thankful for it.

5. Lamentations 3:24

“‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

In times of longing and waiting, it’s helpful to remember that God is a source of our every happiness. When life is disappointing, we learn to draw close to Him and commune with him. So many wise Christians have observed that God often uses our seasons of disappointment to draw us closer to Him.

6. Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Here we have powerful advice for life’s anxious moments. Notice that Paul doesn’t just give the advice to, “Pray about our concerns,” but includes “with thanksgiving.” We are called to season our prayers with thanksgiving, even in times when we are feeling anxious. The apostle seems to be intentionally shifting our attention away from the causes of the anxiety, to the reasons we have for thanksgiving.

7. Luke 17:12-18

“And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’”

This passage may be the most powerful of all. Here we see Jesus heal 10 men with terrible leprosy. What relief to be completely healed of this disease! We can only imagine their joy as they returned home to their families. But we also see pain in this story. When only one of these ten men returns to thank Jesus, we hear the painful surprise in his words, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” Jesus assumes appropriate gratitude for such a gift and points out the lack of it. This story always reminds me to be quick to thank God for everything I receive from Him. I never want to be like one of these nine ungrateful men. May God make each of us like the grateful man in this story.

What are some verses that have helped you grow in thanksgiving?

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