Introduction

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of gratitude. This holiday invites us to pause and consider all that we are thankful for, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Psalm 107 has been on my mind recently, and it feels like the perfect scripture for this season of gratitude. It’s a psalm that calls on us, again and again, to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for humankind.

Psalm 107: A Call to Gratitude

Psalm 107 begins with these words:

This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s love is constant and unchanging. The entire psalm goes on to recount stories of people in distress—wanderers in the desert, prisoners, those facing sickness, and sailors caught in a storm—all of whom cried out to God and were delivered by Him. Each time, the psalmist urges the people to give thanks, not just because God rescued them, but because His love endures. Psalm 107 shows us that gratitude isn’t just for the times when things are easy. It’s for all times, because God is always working, even when we may not see it in the moment.

I love the way this psalm repeatedly calls us to give thanks, regardless of our circumstances. It reminds us that God is with us through all of life’s valleys and peaks. Sometimes, it’s only when we look back that we realize just how much He was working on our behalf, even during the times that felt the most difficult.

Seeing God’s Hand in Retrospect

One of the things I’m most thankful for this year is the perspective that hindsight gives. As I look back over my life, I can see so many moments when God was working in ways I didn’t understand at the time. There have been rough patches—times when I felt lost, overwhelmed, or discouraged. In those moments, it was hard to see the bigger picture. But now, with the passage of time, I can see how those challenges shaped me, how God used them to help me grow and bring me to the place I am today.

This has been especially on my heart lately because I’ve been helping my younger daughter through some difficult times. Comforting her through her struggles has reminded me of my own tough seasons and how, even when I couldn’t see it, God was right there, guiding me through and working on my behalf. It gives me hope that He is doing the same for her now—that one day, she will look back and see His hand at work, even in the moments that feel overwhelming.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude has a unique way of changing our perspective. When we intentionally choose to give thanks, even in the midst of hardship, it shifts our focus from what is lacking to what we have been given. It reminds us that God is working behind the scenes to pave the path to peace for us. It helps us recognize God’s faithfulness, and it helps us remember that we are never alone. Studies have even shown that practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on our mental health, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

The Apostle Paul knew the importance of gratitude, even when things weren’t easy. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, he writes:

Paul isn’t saying that we should be thankful for all circumstances, but that we can (and should) be thankful in all circumstances. The difference is significant. When we give thanks in the midst of our struggles, we acknowledge that God is still good, that His love endures, and that He is with us—no matter what.

A Heart of Thanksgiving

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to encourage you (and myself) to take some time over the next few weeks (and beyond) to reflect on God’s goodness. Look back over your life and think about the times when you’ve seen His hand at work. Maybe there were moments when you felt lost, but now you can see how He guided you through. Or maybe there were times when you were in need, and He provided in ways you never expected.

Psalm 107 invites us to remember and give thanks. Let’s take that invitation to heart this week. As we run up to Thanksgiving, let’s start taking time to give thanks to the Lord, not just for the good times, but for His presence in every season of our lives. Let’s thank Him for the ways He has shaped us through our challenges and for the hope we have that He is always working for our good.

This Thanksgiving, let’s remember that gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a choice. It’s a way of seeing the world, of recognizing God’s goodness, even in the midst of life’s valleys and peaks. Let’s give thanks with full hearts, knowing that God’s love endures forever.