Thanksgiving Every DayNäide

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."

2 Thessalonians 2:13–15

The origin of the Thanksgiving holiday in America is a distinctly Christian one. Although it wasn’t officially recognized as a national holiday until 1863, its roots trace back to a group of English believers who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620 seeking freedom to worship God. Their first winter was devastating—nearly half of the group died from illness and exposure. But with the help of friendly Native Americans who taught them how to plant and harvest in their new land, they survived. When the harvest of 1621 came, the Pilgrims invited their Native American neighbors to join them in a three-day feast to thank God for His mercy and provision. That first Thanksgiving was a celebration born not out of ease or abundance, but out of a deep awareness of God’s goodness even in hardship.

The Apostle Paul said he was “bound to give thanks”—that he owed an obligation to God to be grateful. This is true of us as well. God has done so many wonderful things for us, and none of them are deserved. Gratitude guards our hearts against pride and selfishness, for if we remember that the good things we enjoy are blessings from God rather than something we are owed, we will remain humble before Him.

It is also important for us to express our gratitude to those who have made investments in our lives. There is an old saying that applies here: “If you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, it’s pretty safe to assume he didn’t get there by himself.” Recognizing that others have helped us get to where we are, it is only right to thank them.

Express your gratitude today, both to God and to those who have helped you in your life.