Thanksgiving is a special time of year. Families gather around the table, favorite recipes are prepared, and memories are made with the people we love. But Thanksgiving is about more than a wonderful meal or cherished traditions. It is an opportunity to remember the goodness of God and give Him the honor He deserves.

The Bible gives us wonderful reasons to give thanks—not just once a year, but every day. Here are three things that can help us develop a heart of thanksgiving.

1. Thanksgiving Recognizes God as Our Source

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” — James 1:17 (NKJV)

Thanksgiving helps us stop and recognize His goodness. We can enjoy our blessings while remembering the One who provided them. We can ask Him for what we need and be grateful for what He has already done.

2. Remember His Faithfulness

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits.” — Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be reminded of God’s goodness and share it with our families. Consider inviting everyone to share something they are thankful for or a time they experienced God’s goodness. These conversations can become encouraging words for those who gather together.

3. Giving Thanks Is God’s Will

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Notice that Scripture says to give thanks “in” everything. It doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything. Sometimes we may be looking towards Thanksgiving with wonderful news, while others may be facing challenges, or the absence of someone we love. God understands every season of our lives. He invites us to come to Him, receive His comfort, and remember His faithfulness. A thankful heart is a heart that continues to turn toward God in all seasons.

Make Thanksgiving a Daily Habit

As we celebrate this special season, consider this:

•  Thanksgiving recognizes God as our source. Every good gift reminds us of His goodness and provision.

•  Thanksgiving helps us remember His faithfulness. Looking back at what He has done encourages us to trust Him with the future.

•  Thanksgiving is God’s will in every situation. We can turn our hearts toward Him as a choice to give thanks and praise to Him in all situations because He loves us and cares for us.

You might want to begin a new family tradition. Invite everyone around the Thanksgiving table to share one thing they are thankful for or even start recording family miracles in a journal that can become a beautiful record of answered prayers, cherished memories, and God’s faithfulness through the years.

Family recipes, holiday traditions, and stories passed from one generation to another connect us to the people we love. But as you pass these from one generation to another, try to include your own thoughts on the goodness of God and as you do, expect a miracle for each member of your family.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

My prayer for you this Thanksgiving is that you will find joy in the people God has placed in your life. Give Him thanks for who He is and His goodness in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving from Make Your Day Count!