JP71: How Thanksgiving Makes Us More Like Jesus

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18  

The Thankful Farmer

Imagine a farmer standing in the middle of his drought-stricken field. The cracked soil under his boots shows no promise of a harvest. Yet, as he looks up at the clear blue sky, he whispers, “Thank You, Lord.” This scene might seem absurd to some, but the farmer’s gratitude is not tied to his circumstances. Instead, it’s rooted in his trust that God is still at work when the rains don’t come.  

Remaining grateful during the dry seasons of life challenges us. Modern society often equates thanksgiving with abundance. A large family dinner, a promotion at work, or an answered prayer makes giving thanks feel natural. But what about when life doesn’t go according to plan? Can we give thanks when the job falls through, the illness lingers, or the dream remains unfulfilled? Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to cultivate a deeper kind of thanksgiving - one that reflects the pattern of Jesus’ life and shapes our hearts to resemble His.

Always Giving Thanks Strengthens Our Worship

Paul’s instruction to “give thanks in all circumstances” can feel daunting. Yet, it’s a cornerstone of the Christian life. This kind of gratitude isn’t rooted in naive optimism or denial of hardship; it’s anchored in faith. When we thank God in the highs and lows, we proclaim His sovereignty and goodness regardless of what we face as an act of worship.  

Jesus modeled this perfectly. In the Gospels, we see Him offering thanks before feeding multitudes (John 6:11), giving thanks at the Last Supper, knowing betrayal and suffering were imminent (Luke 22:19), and praising the Father even when His ministry was misunderstood (Matthew 11:25). Gratitude was woven into the pattern of Jesus’ life, not because everything went smoothly, but because He trusted in the Father’s plan.

Gratitude Keeps Us Humble

Gratitude is a safeguard against pride. When we acknowledge God as the source of every good gift, we remind ourselves that we are not self-made. The world often tempts us to believe in self-sufficiency—that our achievements, possessions, or talents are ours alone. Gratitude flips the script, placing the credit where it belongs: with God.  

Jesus demonstrated this humility in every aspect of His ministry. He depended on the Father for strength, guidance, and provision. When we choose gratitude, we follow His example, rejecting the pride that whispers, I earned this or deserve better. Instead, we declare, Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and provision.

Thankfulness in Trials Builds Our Faith  

Giving thanks for blessings is one thing, but how do we thank God when life is hard? Paul doesn’t tell us to give thanks for all circumstances but in all circumstances. This distinction matters. We don’t have to pretend that pain or disappointment is good, but we can recognize that God is still good and still working, even in our struggles (Romans 8:28).

When we give thanks in trials, we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” He trusted that His suffering was part of God’s redemptive plan. Similarly, when we thank God in our hardships, we demonstrate faith that He is present and purposeful in every moment.

Living a Grateful Live Makes Us Like Jesus  

Gratitude is more than a seasonal practice; it’s a lifestyle that reflects Jesus' character. Giving thanks in all circumstances strengthens our worship, keeps us humble, and builds our faith. This Thanksgiving, let’s go beyond the dinner table and embrace a Jesus-patterned way of thanksgiving that transforms our lives.  

Like the farmer standing in his drought-stricken field, may we choose gratitude, trusting that the One who provides the rain knows precisely what we need when we need it. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Practical Steps to Cultivate Gratitude

1. Start Small: Begin each day by thanking God for three specific things. These can be as simple as the breath in your lungs, the beauty of creation, or the love of a friend.  

2. Thank God in Prayer: Instead of only bringing requests, devote part of your prayer time to expressing gratitude.  

3. Practice Gratitude in Community: Share your gratitude with others. This builds faith and shifts the focus away from complaining or comparison.  

4. Turn Setbacks into Opportunities: When challenges arise, ask, “What can I thank God for in this situation?”