November is Thanksgiving Month, a tradition handed down by American missionaries to churches in the Philippines.
It is a yearly reminder to pause, reflect, and remember God’s goodness. Yet thanksgiving is more than a tradition, it is a posture of the heart that sees God’s hand not only in blessings but also in challenges.
Gratitude grows when we learn to remember God’s faithfulness.
In ancient Israel, remembering was a central act of worship. The people recited God’s mighty acts during festivals so they would never forget His deliverance and provision.
In the New Testament, Paul urged believers to let the peace of Christ rule their hearts and to be thankful in all circumstances.
Thanksgiving, therefore, is both a discipline and a declaration, a response to what God has done and a trust in what He will continue to do.
First, remember God’s benefits.
Psalm 103:2 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
David reminds us that gratitude begins with remembering. We often forget blessings quickly and focus on problems easily. Yet every blessing, every answered prayer, every moment of protection and provision, is a reason to give thanks. Gratitude grows when memory is active.
Make it a habit to list God’s blessings. Recall answered prayers, restored relationships, healing, guidance, and the simple joys of each day. The more we remember, the more thankful we become.
Second, a thankful heart is at peace.
Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and be thankful.”
Thanksgiving is not only about what God gives, it is also about the peace He places in our hearts. Paul wrote this to a church experiencing conflict and struggle.
Gratitude helps calm the heart, quiet the mind, and anchor the soul in Christ’s peace. When thanksgiving rules within, peace becomes the fruit.
Practice thanksgiving especially when you feel anxious. Pray with gratitude, serve with joy, and respond with grace. Let Christ’s peace guide your emotions, your decisions, and your relationships.
Remember that a thankful heart becomes a peaceful heart.
Thanksgiving Month invites us to slow down, remember, and return to God with grateful hearts. Gratitude is not only a response to blessings, it is a decision to trust that God is good in every season.
May this month renew our joy, deepen our faith, and strengthen our walk with Christ as we cultivate a heart that remembers. | NWI
