Sometimes it is difficult to maintain a grateful attitude. We see business bankruptcies, stock market fluctuations, military invasions, racial hatred, and social injustice, besides our own struggles to make ends meet as we live in an increasingly immoral, secular society. Did you know that discouragement and depression are two of Satan’s most effective weapons? So how can we life up thanks no matter what our circumstances are this Thanksgiving?

A.    Thanksgiving is possible only when we look at life from an eternal perspective.

Our perspective determines so much in life. Paul was burdened because he could not find Titus and was concerned with the church in Corinth because of their severe sins and false teachers. In the midst of a heavy heart, Paul writes the following encouraging words: That’s why we are not discouraged. No, even if outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed each and every day. This light, temporary nature of our suffering is producing for us an everlasting weight of glory, far beyond any comparison, because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, ISV).

If we realize that the Lord’s Kingdom is not of this world, then, nothing that happens to us, here and now, really makes much difference.

B.    Thanksgiving is profitable only when we realize that whatever ever happens has benefit, even trials.

First of all, trials might benefit us. James would show us how trials cause us to develop God’s character and become more like Christ. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4, NIV)

Trials might also benefit others. Joseph, who was nearly killed and then sold into slavery by his brothers, saw God’s hand in his circumstances. As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive (Genesis 50:20). We thank God in all circumstances, because God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28) and because that good is to make us like Jesus (Romans 8:29)

C.    Thanksgiving in difficult circumstances, is achievable only when you appropriate God’s supernatural resources.

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will always give thanks for all things in the name of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:18-20). Also, when we are filled with God’s Word, we will sing with thankfulness in our hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). HAPPY THANKSGIVING!