We have days where giving thanks is so easy. The sun is shining, your kids are all doing well, your grandkids (if you have them) are thriving, new babies are being born, loved ones are finding jobs and peace in the storms they face. There are sometimes so many victories to celebrate, and so we should.

Then there are the dark days when thanksgiving feels a bit stuck in your throat. You can give fake thanks, but not the real kind that God is calling us to. What can we do?

I was talking this over with God today. I was listening to praise and worship music and a song came on that reminded me of the verse: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This verse reminds me that God is still in charge even when life is challenging. Another thing I am reminded of is the many truths that are true no matter what is happening around me. God is still all powerful and able to manage what I clearly cannot.

Likely the most significant thing He said to me was this; “be careful where you allow your eyes to rest”. We can stare and turn over again and again whatever it is that is bothering us, or we can lift our eyes up like is exemplified in Psalm 121:1: “For I lift my eyes up, where does my help come from?”

Our help and our hope are in the One whom nothing is impossible. Truly, it is in the shadow of His wings we find peace and comfort. Also, there is blessed assurance of His enduring presence and the truth that He does not change. He remains faithful and He is for us.

All these truths can lead us to a place where we can be truly thankful no matter what we are facing. Through these truths we can honestly live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”.

In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend. I wish you and all that are dear to you “Happy Thanksgiving!”. If giving thanks to God is coming easily to you, Praise God, that is worth celebrating. However, if it is hard and the journey to thanksgiving is like a hike up a steep hill, I pray that God would encourage your heart with all that is still true and worth giving thanks for. God’s presence in the middle of storms is worth giving thanks for.

Dear Father,

Thank You for my life, my loved ones and Your constant presence even in the middle of the storms. Thank You that storms are for a season, and they do pass. Lord, what should I be giving thanks for today?

In Jesus Name,

Amen