The holiday season is here and that means excitement and celebration. Families are making plans to get together, meals are being planned, and children are beginning to think about their Christmas lists. For most people, the holidays mean love, joy, peace, and happiness. What happens when it is the opposite of that?
For some people, the holidays may bring on a different reaction. For the person with no family, it may increase the feeling of loneliness. If you have lost a loved one, it may bring on those feelings of grief and sadness. If money is tight and you feel bad because you are not able to meet holiday expectations, you may experience disappointment. If you just got some bad news and you are not sure what the future will hold, you may feel scared. Maybe a situation you are experiencing has left you wondering how much time you have left with a loved one. There could be a plethora of reasons why the holidays can bring on negative responses.
When the holidays bring up hurt and disappointment, it is still important that we still find room for thanksgiving. Having a grateful heart when we are feeling weary can actually boost our spirits. We can be encouraged by reminding ourselves of the good things that we already have in our lives. You have something to be thankful for if you answer yes to any of the following questions:
- Do you have a roof over your head?
- Do you have food on your table?
- Do you have friends?
- Do you have a job?
- Do you have clothes to wear?
- Do you have family that loves you?
The Bible also gives plenty of reasons to be thankful. I compiled a short list for you to consider.
10 Biblical Reasons to Give Thanks:
- For the things that God has already done for you – “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” – Psalm 9:1
- Because God promises peace – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
- We are told to give thanks with our request – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
- His love is unfailing – “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” – Psalm 107:8
- He satisfies our souls – “For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” – Psalm 107:9
- He is the great God and King of all gods – “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
- Because God is our help and strength – “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
- God has given us friends and we should be grateful for them – “I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
- God commanded us to always give thanks because that is His will – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:18
- God loves you – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – I Chronicles 16:34
It can be difficult to come up with reasons to be thankful when all you see is the hardship you are facing. That can make you feel guilty and like you are being ungrateful. Don’t let the darkness dictate your thanksgiving meter. While the two lists that I provided are short, you can pull from them to remind yourself of things for which you can be thankful. If you are struggling to find something to be grateful for during the holiday season this year, take something from one of my lists. Remember that God loves you. That is the greatest gift of all and the best reason to give thanks to Him this year and every year.
Beautifully said!