As Thanksgiving approaches, we start thinking about what we are thankful for. We don't consider just the tangible things, but also the countless moments of grace and guidance that have shaped our days. In the middle of the holiday chaos that usually happens, it is a good practice to pause and reflect upon the Word of God. Whether you’re gathering at the table, teaching your little ones, or spending a quiet moment alone, these ten Bible verses are perfect for directing your heart towards gratitude in this season of thanksgiving.
1. Psalm 100.
This psalm is literally titled “A Psalm For Giving Thanks” so we know that God gave us these words to give thanks. Through the holiday seasons, we must remember that the things we do aren't just for our loved ones, but for God. Therefore, serve with gladness and not grumbling. Don't put limits on your love and kindness. It is God who rewards us and God who saves us.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Psalm 100
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
2. 1 Chronicles 16:34.
This verse is from a song that David sings and it is called “David's Song of Thanks.” If you read the whole chapter, you will notice that the last verse says “David went home to bless his household.” This is a great example of how we should be. We must praise God, thanking him for all the amazing things he's done, is doing, and will do. Then go home and do the same for your household! Thank your family in the same way. Be a blessing to them.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34
3. Colossians 3:15-17.
This section of text is actually titled “Put On The New Self.” This season of thankfulness isn't about being grateful for a day. This is a time to change and learn how to be grateful every day. The peace of Christ isn't a one-day thing. The verse says let it RULE in your hearts. Let this season be the one that changes you for every season.
Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear teach children how to give thanks for all that God has given them as they journey to Gran and Gramps for Thanksgiving dinner. Young readers will develop an understanding of God’s divine blessing and the virtue of giving thanks to him in this addition to The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series.
From watching the autumn leaves fall to picking pumpkins from the patch, from sharing a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones to learning how to give--there's so much to be thankful for! Cultivate a grateful heart in your little one with this thank-you prayer to God, who gives us every good thing.
Time with God for Mothers is filled with ninety devotions that encourage mothers to spend time on their relationship with the Lord in prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Devotions are topical and include: forgiveness, wisdom, comfort, guidance, and strength.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Colossians 3:15-17
4. James 1:17.
If you read the whole chapter, you will see that there is more to this verse than just the thankfulness of God's good gifts. This section is about how our faith is tested. Being around family is a mighty test of faith. Does your faith wither and hide when the family is around? Are you withstanding the pressures of the world around you? Pray for strength, with no doubt that God will provide. As a woman, you bring a special, God-given, strength to your family and marriage. Be steadfast in your faith, and shout your gratefulness of God to those around you.
“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
5. 2 Corinthians 9:15.
“The Cheerful Giver” is the title for this section of text, and how fitting it is! However you decide to give this season, give it cheerfully! If you've been given a role or task to perform during Thanksgiving this year (I've been assigned to making the ham, black-eyed peas, and collard greens), then do it cheerfully! Without grumbling. Everything we do, we do for the Lord. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15
6. Philippians 4:6.
This chapter always gives me a chuckle, because it is entreating the Philippian church to help its women who are being unreasonable and disagreeable. Do you relate? Do you get along well with other women in your family or does the holidays make things a bit more stressful? Pray about it and petition God. Then, guess what, let it go! Thank God for all that he has given you, including family and friends, and serve God with gladness in your heart.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
The all new 5-Minute Gratitude Journal is a daily journal that provides an opportunity to cultivate a grateful and beholden outlook on the everyday miracle called life. And it's only available from the FaithGateway Store!
7. Psalm 95:2-3.
This is another classic song of praise in the book of Psalm. To do as it says, check out some songs of Psalm 95 from these artists! Sons of Korah and The Worship Initiative. Play them as you serve this Thanksgiving to remind you who you are truly serving.
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”
Psalm 95:2-3
8. Psalm 28:7.
As we near the end of the year, think back to all the challenges you faced this year. Did you survive? Have you prayed through them? Did you trust God through them? I hope the answer is yes because there is nobody else who is more dependable, steadfast, and helpful than God. Trust in God always, because God alone can withstand ANYTHING and God alone can protect you from EVERYTHING. Thank God for his provision and protection.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7
9. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
If you get a chance to read the whole section of verses 12-22, I'd highly recommend it. It is a list of things we should do, and honestly, it seems impossible. We know that we have God's grace in this and for that reason, we should rejoice! We should pray continually about theses things and EVERY circumstance (even the ones we see as bad), we should give thanks to God.
“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
In Giving Thanks to God, the fifth study in the Jesus Calling® Bible Study Series, you will explore what God’s Word has to say about the many ways He provides for you—and why you should give thanks to Him for this abundance. Even when you are going through trials, you can have an attitude of thankfulness, for the Bible says that you have been given “every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). When you realize the depth of God’s love and the lengths He went to reconcile you to Himself, it naturally causes you to want to praise Him!
10. Ephesians 5:19-20.
This section is titled “Walk in Love” and it starts with “be imitators of God.” Two things we must strive to do, especially during the holiday season. I know that anxieties are high and you are worrying about gifts, and money, and food, and family. God asks that during this time, you try to imitate Him. “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD) is still a thing! Walk in love just as God treats you with love. Also if you are still trying to find a gift for your husband, check out my gift guide, curated by the men in my life!
“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, let us embrace the spirit of gratitude that these verses evoke. As we share in the abundance of the season, may we also share in the abundant love and grace offered to us through Christ. Let these scriptures be a gentle reminder to give thanks not only for the material blessings we have received but also for the spiritual growth, the community of believers, and the divine love that sustains us throughout the year. Let's make this season one of true thanksgiving, carrying the joy of gratitude from our tables to our hearts, and into the lives of those around us. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you and your loved ones with peace and joy!
I would love to include you in my prayers as we both pray over our lives and children. Feel free to email me and let me know how your journey is going.
