Thanksgiving: A Quiet Weapon Against Darkness
Photo by Nathan Dumlao
Having grown up in Ecuador, celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States is always a beautiful experience for me. Here in America, Thanksgiving traces back to 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people gathered to express gratitude for a successful harvest. Families and friends came together to thank God for His provision. Centuries later, President Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a national holiday—an annual reminder to pause and give thanks.
Thanksgiving may be just a moment on the calendar, but thankfulness is a holy posture of our heart. Gratitude realigns us with truth. It reminds our soul that we were created to walk in God’s abundant goodness, and that goodness is all around us. His Word calls us to rejoice, to think on His goodness, and to give thanks. We don’t do these things because “we’re supposed to” but because as we do them, darkness loses its grip. Hope rises. Our mind clears and our spirit finds strength. Even when we feel like we have nothing to be grateful for, simply whispering, “Thank You, Jesus,” can change the spiritual climate inside us and all around us. Thanksgiving is a powerful weapon against discouragement and everything the enemy is doing.
Thankfulness transforms the atmosphere. When I feel heavy or discouraged, the most powerful thing I can do is retreat into a quiet place, lift my heart to God, and begin to thank Him. Even if all I can say is, “Thank You for being here with me,” that begins the shift and things start to change.
Thankfulness in Seasons of Fear and Overwhelm
We don’t choose to be thankful because our situation is so easy—but because God is still faithful. Thankfulness is not denial of our circumstances but a faith-filled declaration that God is still good. He still sees; He still restores; and His will is always good, pleasing, and perfect.
When we thank Him in the midst of a painful or uncertain season, we are not thanking Him for the pain, but we are thanking Him in the pain, because He is still working and He is still God.
I recently coached someone who could not name one thing they were thankful for. I’ve heard this level of despair from several people who, sadly, did not realize that gratitude is a weapon that lifts us out of hopelessness and reconnects our heart with God’s truth. Gratitude is the solution we need, the first step of rescue.
These days much of the world is struggling with rising levels of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, that is common when we lose sight of the blessings God has given us. The enemy hates to see people filled with God’s joy, peace, and love, so he works hard to cloud our vision.
Yes, pain is obviously real, relationships can hurt, and disappointments happen. Life in a fallen world includes hardship, but we can train our heart to still give thanks even in difficult seasons.
If we’re struggling to feel thankful, we can start with the simple things:
“Thank You that I can breathe today.”
“Thank You for another sunrise.”
“Thank You for the food on my table, the bed I sleep in, and the people who love me.”
These are not small blessings—they are treasures.
If you sense hope sliding away from you, reach out to someone. Ask them to pray with you, mentor you, or simply be there for you. Sometimes we need another believer to lift our arms when we are too tired to lift them ourselves.
Being Thankful Before the Promise Arrives
Giving thanks after we see God move is common. That’s what most of us think of when we practice thankfulness. “I prayed for this, and God did it, and now I’m thanking Him.”
But being thankful in advance, before we see Him move, can be a greater act of faith. “God, I trust You even before I see Your answer. I know You’re going to do what You said, and so I’m thankful right now.”
What have you asked God for? Your spouse, your child, more money, a better job, a better house, someone’s healing?
Giving thanks right now, before the breakthrough, will help keep you aligned with hope. Gratitude prepares our heart to receive God’s best while protecting us from spiritual heaviness.
My Thanksgiving Prayer for You
As we enter this special season of gratitude and Christmas miracles, I encourage you to delight in your Savior. Delight in your heavenly Father, who loves you deeply and walks with you every day. Delight in His Spirit, His wisdom, His gifts, and His unending kindness.
May this Thanksgiving be more than just a holiday for you—may it be a reminder of all the goodness of God that surrounds you every single day!
Here’s my prayer for you:
Father, thank You for every person who reads this article. Please open their heart to the depth, width, height, and beauty of Your love. Fill them with gratitude, renew their hope, and surround them with Your peace. Bless their home, their relationships, their dreams, and their journey with You. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
Happy Thanksgiving! May your heart be filled with the joy of God’s amazing presence.
Your heavenly Father loves you more than you realize! For more about His amazing, unending love, check out Becoming the One by Salomé Roat. Click here to learn more. The book is also available in Spanish.