Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, 

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Give thanks to the God of gods, 

For His lovingkindness is everlasting. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who alone does great wonders,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting; 

To Him who made the heavens with skill, 

For His lovingkindness is everlasting; 

To Him who spread out the earth above the waters,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting; 

To Him who made the great lights,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting: 

The sun to rule by day,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting, 

The moon and stars to rule by night, 

For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 136:1-9, NASB

It was the week before Thanksgiving, and I was talking with a friend after Bible study when she commented, “I don’t really feel like celebrating Thanksgiving this year. I just don’t feel like I have anything to be thankful for.”

“Really? I know it has been a hard year, but with every trial, there has been a blessing that immediately followed,” I responded.

Truthfully, she had experienced a trying year. Her husband was out of work—but there had been enough money to pay the bills every month. She had health issues—but was always able to work when shifts were available. Her children had made some bad choices—but a new grandbaby had been born. And, a loved one had returned safely from Iraq, her marriage was strong, she never missed a meal, she was loved, she had a warm, safe home, and most of all, she was redeemed by a loving Savior and knew she was heaven-bound someday! If that is not cause for thanksgiving, I don’t know what is!

However, we all have days when we don’t feel like being thankful. I am not judging my friend at all; she just needed to be reminded of God’s goodness.

Have you ever felt like my friend? Have you ever had a hard time finding something to be thankful for? Have you ever had difficulty feeling thankful even if you could recount some past blessings? If so, does recounting your blessings help you feel blessed? Does remembering His love for you help you to be thankful? Does looking back at His provision help you to look forward to an unknown tomorrow with trust and faith?

November can be a hectic month with the holidays on the way and all that needs to be done at home and school. My prayer for you is that you would make it a priority to look back and see what God has done, so that you can look ahead and give thanks, knowing that His love endures forever.

Dearest Lord, I am thankful for Your presence in my life and Your daily favor. Help me remember Your faithfulness and Your goodness, even when they are hard to see. Amen.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.