With Thanksgiving a about a week away, I would like to look at the reason for this holiday. Thanksgiving is more than a national holiday—it is a holy invitation to pause, reflect, and give thanks to Almighty God for His mercy and provision. The true reason for Thanksgiving is to honor the Lord with a grateful heart and to remember that every blessing, great or small, comes from Him alone!
The first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621 was born from both struggle and faith. The Pilgrims had faced a bitter winter, hunger, and disease, yet through God’s grace and the help of the Native Americans, they survived and gathered an abundant harvest. They set aside days of feasting, fellowship, and prayer to thank God for His goodness. Their gratitude did not come from wealth or comfort—it came from recognizing God’s hand in their survival. Like the Pilgrims, we are reminded that even in hard seasons, God remains faithful.
Centuries later, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the bloody days of the Civil War. In his proclamation, he called upon Americans to give thanks to “our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Even in a time of division and sorrow, he reminded the nation that gratitude to God must remain at the center of our lives.
Scripture teaches that thanksgiving is not just a tradition—it is a command and a way of life. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This verse reminds us that gratitude should not depend on our circumstances. We may not be thankful for every trial, but we can be thankful in every trial, knowing that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Psalm 100:4 declares, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” Thanksgiving opens the door to God’s presence. When we come before Him with a grateful heart, our worries turn into worship. Gratitude realigns our spirit, reminding us that every breath we take is a gift from our Creator.
Thanksgiving also calls us to humility. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” Everything we have—our families, our homes, our daily bread, and even our trials, are under God’s sovereign care. When we remember this truth, gratitude flows naturally from our hearts.
Today, as families gather around the table, may we remember that Thanksgiving is not about the feast, but about the Father. It’s a day to thank Him for His mercy, to reflect on His blessings, and to renew our commitment to live with grateful hearts every day—not just once a year.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving Our Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for Your mercy that never fails and Your love that endures forever. Thank You for providing for our needs, for surrounding us with family and friends, and for giving us hope in every season. Help us to live with thankful hearts, to praise You in both joy and sorrow, and to remember that every blessing flows from Your hand. Teach us to see Your goodness in all things and to share that gratitude with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Have you thanked God lately? There’s no better moment than now. Even if you don’t have a relationship with Him, take a moment to dedicate yourself to Christ our Savior. If you don’t know Christ or have drifted away, say a prayer…tell God you believe His Son Jesus died for your sins and rose again. Tell Him you’re sorry and want to start living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes, grant you everlasting life, and place His Spirit deep within your heart. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Happy Thanksgiving… May God Bless and Keep!
Bob
————————————————————————————————– I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observations. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
