Table of Contents
PRAYER
Let’s begin by inviting God into our time together, asking Him to reveal His purpose, presence, and power in our lives. Let’s open our hearts to encounter Him and ask that this conversation would draw us closer to each other and to His purpose for us.
Does anyone have prayer requests, or would anyone like to share a moment where you’ve felt God moving in your life recently?
THE DOMINO EFFECT
Dreaming :: Attending :: Serving :: Thanking
THIS WEEK
Deciding to give thanks, particularly to God, is more than a habit or a holiday ritual as the world often labels as Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a practice that reorients us, shifting our focus from what we lack or our immediate pain to what we’ve been blessed with. In the midst of hardship, and trial and tribulation, thanksgiving doesn’t deny the reality of how hard things are—it transforms our perspective by affirming God’s faithfulness and provision.
With this in mind, consider the following question:
Which is most challenging for you: to give thanks, or to receive thanks? Why?
THANKING IS ESSENTIAL
Lysa Terkeurst said, “Choosing gratitude right in the middle of what’s hard isn’t denial. But it is choosing to do only what can be done today.”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing... In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. “ — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Reflecting on Paul’s penning of 1 Thessalonians, answer the following questions:
When you face challenging moments in life, what is your natural response? Is thanksgiving a part of it?
Why do you think it can be so difficult to give thanks to God during times of hardship?
As 2024 nears its end, reflect on this past year: What is one thing you’re most grateful to God for? Why?
THANKING IS TRANSFORMATIVE
Bria Lacour shared, “Thanksgiving transforms us from people focused on ourselves & our desires into people of love who offer gratitude to God for who He is over what He gives.”
In 1 Samuel 1:2-2:21, we see Hannah’s story—a woman who longed for a child but faced years of heartbreak and ridicule because she couldn’t have one. In her desperation, she prayed to God, promising that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to His service. God answered her heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, and she gave birth to Samuel. True to her word, she brought him to the Lord’s house and left him to serve God, praising God for His faithfulness and power.
Hannah’s story reminds us that giving thanks isn’t just about being grateful for what we receive. It’s about trusting God with everything and honoring Him as the source of all blessings.
How does Hannah’s faith and trust in God challenge the way you approach prayer during seasons of waiting or hardship?
Why is it important to give thanks to God even in seasons of waiting, suffering, or uncertainty?
How does giving thanks to God deepen our trust in His faithfulness, even when answers don’t come immediately—or at all?
How does Hannah’s willingness to give back to God the very thing she longed for most inspire you to surrender something in your life back to God?
THANKSGIVING IS FRUITFUL
Anthony Ray Hinton, who spent decades on death row, once said, “If I’m angry and unforgiving, they will have taken the rest of my life.” His words remind us that a spirit of gratitude can free us from bitterness and transform our lives.
As Christians, we are called to give thanks because our hope is rooted in God’s promises—promises of restoration, of wiping every tear away, and of eternal life in His perfect kingdom. This hope in Christ Jesus empowers us by the Spirit to give thanks in all circumstances, anchoring us in His truth, His goodness, and His love.
When we decide to express thanksgiving, it:
1. Reminds us of what we have in God, helping us see Him and His blessings instead of focusing on what we like.
2. Changes our perspective by acknowledging that where we are today is by God’s grace and provision.
3. Affirms our identity in Christ, grounding us in the abundant life and spiritual blessings He’s given us (Ephesians 1:3).
However, when we fail to give thanks:
- We become arrogant and self-centered, believing our successes come from our own efforts.
- We break relationship with God, drifting away and failing to honor Him as the ultimate Giver, and instead misplacing our gratitude.
- We grow bitter, allowing anger and resentment take root, which harms ourselves and those around us.
- We focus on our lack, believing we deserve more, instead of celebrating the abundance we already have in Christ.
Deciding to give thanks keeps us aligned in right relationship with God (and others, too), anchored in His blessings, and filled with hope for the future.
Reflect on a time when giving thanks to God in a difficult situation helped you gain perspective or resilience. What did you learn from that experience?
How can failing to give thanks lead to bitterness or a sense of entitlement in your heart? How have you seen this play out in your life or others’?
What steps can you take to ensure your gratitude is directed toward God, the ultimate Giver, rather than misplaced on created things?
When life is challenging, how can the hope of God’s future promises—restoration, no more suffering, and eternal life—strengthen your resolve to give thanks?
In what ways does thanksgiving affirm your identity in Christ and remind you of the abundant spiritual blessings He’s given you?
CLOSING THOUGHT
Tim Keller once said, “It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.”
As we conclude today’s discussion on the decision to thank, let’s take intentional steps to:
- Make thanksgiving a daily practice—start by thanking God for one thing each day, no matter how small it may seem, and then express gratitude to others as well.
- Always remember who God is and what He’s done—let this truth guard our hearts and minds, especially in moments of uncertainty, keeping us rooted in His faithfulness.
Is there someone or something God has placed on your heart for which you need to give thanks?
Is there someone you need to connect with this week to express your gratitude for their role in your life?
As we conclude, let’s take a moment to pray together. Each of us will thank God for who He is and for something He has done in our lives. Let’s believe that our thanksgiving can create a domino effect—transforming our lives, the lives of those around us, and all the places where we live, work, and play, so they reflect the image of Jesus.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
