Most Christians understand that we are called to be a grateful people. Gratitude comes easily on bright, sunny days—when liberty abounds, elections go our way, our work is fruitful, and our bodies feel strong. But Scripture doesn’t limit thanksgiving to the pleasant seasons of life. Even in moments of challenge, sorrow, and trial, the Apostle Paul commands us to
“be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Living in America right now – especially those of us in the state of Illinois, we certainly face our share of cultural and political headwinds. It would be easy—almost natural—to grow anxious. Yet we still have so much for which to give thanks. And in this Thanksgiving season especially, we must pause to praise God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what we trust He will do in the months and years ahead.
Like you, I am deeply grateful to know and trust the One who holds the future. That confidence is essential at a time marked by turmoil and uncertainty. It is not difficult to recognize how the culture has grown increasingly selfish and even violent. Even the Federal Aviation Administration is reporting a 400% increase in in-flight outbursts since 2019, with incidents ranging from disruptive behavior to physical attacks.
Yet even in the worst of seasons, God has a way of overturning what seems out of control and using it to accomplish His perfect purposes.
Still, it isn’t easy to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, [and] in everything give thanks”—yet Scripture tells us plainly that “this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). This doesn’t mean we celebrate evil or pretend every event is good. Rather, it means that in every circumstance we anchor our hearts in the truth that God is sovereign, God is wise, and God is working all things together for our good.
True thanksgiving flows from knowing who God is, not from congratulating ourselves for what we possess. Our culture is drowning in entitlement—but entitlement evaporates in the presence of a holy God. We deserve judgment, yet He pours out mercy. We deserve wrath, yet He offers grace. When we recognize the staggering contrast between what we deserve and what we have received, gratitude becomes not only possible—but irresistible.
Thank you for being part of the faithful remnant—those who refuse to grow weary in standing for truth, for our nation, and for the next generation. May God richly bless you and your family this Thanksgiving weekend as we give thanks to the One who holds all things in His hands. May we all have a truly thankful heart before the Lord.
