A Short Devotional — Gratitude That Sees God Clearly

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 118:1

Thanksgiving invites us to pause—but not just to list what’s good in our lives. Scripture calls us to a deeper kind of gratitude: the kind that sees God clearly.

The Bible never asks us to pretend life is perfect. In fact, some of the strongest commands to “give thanks” were spoken to people walking through exile, uncertainty, loss, and longing. Gratitude was not denial—it was worship. It was a way of saying:

“God, You are present. You are faithful. You are the Giver of every good thing.”

As followers of Jesus, our thanksgiving isn’t rooted in circumstance; it’s rooted in character. God’s character. His goodness. His mercy. His sustaining love that holds us through every season—joyful, heavy, or complex.

So as we gather, cook, sit at tables, and breathe in this week:

Let thanksgiving draw our eyes back to the Lord—
the One who provides, heals, restores, and stays.

May we be people who practice gratitude that is honest, humble, and hope-filled. Gratitude that says:

“Every breath is a gift.
Every meal is grace.
Every good thing comes from You.”

Take a moment today to name one way God has been near. One provision. One answered prayer. One glimpse of His kindness.

And let that thankfulness become worship.