As we gather to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving (yes, it’s in October – a month before the USA), it’s easy to focus on the tradition of giving thanks for food, family, and blessings. But for women of faith, devoted to hearing God’s voice, Thanksgiving is a time to press even deeper into the practice of gratitude—not just for the good moments, but also in the storms, the chaos, and the uncertainty that the world often brings.
In a world where chaos seems to grow daily, gratitude is a powerful weapon. It shifts our focus from fear to faith, from anxiety to trust, and from despair to hope. Thanksgiving is not simply a once-a-year event for those who follow Christ—it is a lifestyle. And through the noise of the world, God is calling us to choose gratitude, no matter what.
1. Hearing God’s Voice Through Gratitude
For those of us devoted to hearing God’s voice, we know that He often speaks in stillness, in the quiet moments where our hearts are most attuned to Him. When the world is full of chaos, we can be tempted to tune into fear, anxiety, or the overwhelming noise of the culture around us. But when we choose gratitude—especially in difficult situations—we open our spiritual ears to hear His voice more clearly.
Consider the story of Elijah, who, after a season of chaos and fear, found God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13). Thanksgiving creates space for that still, small voice in our lives. When we offer thanks to God, even in the storm, our hearts shift from panic to peace, positioning us to hear Him more clearly.
Scripture Reflection: “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)
2. Choosing Gratitude in the Chaos
It can be hard to give thanks when life feels chaotic. Whether it’s global unrest, personal challenges, or uncertainty about the future, we often feel like we’re being tossed in a storm. But the Bible reminds us that even in these moments, God is in control and working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Choosing gratitude isn’t about ignoring the chaos, but about acknowledging that God is sovereign over it.
Consider the story of Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-26). Beaten and chained, they chose to worship and give thanks to God. Their gratitude in the midst of hardship not only led to their freedom but also transformed the lives of those around them. Similarly, our choice to give thanks, even when life is hard, brings freedom—freedom from fear, worry, and despair. It declares to the world that we trust in a good and faithful God who holds our future.
Scripture Reflection: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
3. Thanksgiving as a Testimony in the Storm
As women of faith, we are called to be lights in the darkness, reflecting God’s hope and peace in a world full of fear. Our practice of thanksgiving is not only for our benefit but also as a testimony to others. When we give thanks in all circumstances, we declare that our hope is not in this world, but in the One who created it.
Jesus Himself modeled this for us. At the Last Supper, just before His crucifixion, Jesus gave thanks (Luke 22:19). He knew what was coming, yet He chose to give thanks because He trusted in God’s redemptive plan. In the same way, our thanksgiving in the midst of trials becomes a powerful testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness. It says, “Even in this, I will trust You, Lord.”
Scripture Reflection: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
4. The Power of Thanksgiving in Unlocking God’s Presence
Gratitude unlocks the presence of God in our lives. Psalm 100:4 tells us to “enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” When we come to God with a heart full of thanks, we experience His presence in a deeper way. This is not only a spiritual principle but a daily practice. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, we can enter into God’s peace and joy by thanking Him for His faithfulness, provision, and presence.
This Thanksgiving, whether you’re surrounded by family, or facing personal struggles, take time to reflect on God’s goodness in your life. Every moment of thanksgiving invites the presence of God into your situation. His nearness brings clarity, strength, and peace, even when the world feels out of control.
Scripture Reflection: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
5. A Heart of Thanksgiving Transforms Your Perspective
When we choose gratitude, it transforms how we see our circumstances. What once felt overwhelming becomes an opportunity for God’s power to be revealed. We begin to see the silver linings, the blessings we might have overlooked, and the ways God is working behind the scenes.
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, it can be easy to grumble when things are tough. But gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God is providing, from what’s wrong to what He’s making right. Thanksgiving lifts our eyes off our problems and onto our Savior, who is greater than any challenge we face.
Scripture Reflection: “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30)
This Thanksgiving: Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
As we celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude that goes beyond the dinner table. In a world that feels chaotic, choose to thank God in every situation, trusting that He is sovereign and good. Be a light in the darkness by reflecting His peace and joy to those around you. When we live lives marked by thanksgiving, we not only transform our own hearts but also become vessels of hope and love in a world desperate for it.
Thanksgiving Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant goodness, even in the midst of chaos. Help me to hear Your voice clearly as I choose gratitude in all circumstances. I trust You with every detail of my life and thank You for Your faithfulness. Give me eyes to see Your blessings, even when life is hard, and a heart that overflows with thanksgiving. Let my life be a testimony of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scriptures to Meditate On:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Colossians 3:15
- Romans 8:28
- Psalm 107:1
- Philippians 4:6-7
May this Thanksgiving be a time of deep gratitude, reflection, and hearing God’s voice as we trust Him more each day.
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Bless you with the spirit of Thanksgiving!
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht
Life Coach & Spiritual Director
Learn more: www.merriellen.com / www.coachinginfreedom.com
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