His Glory My Joy, a blog of Author Luana Ehrlich

Well, it’s Thanksgiving Day, and I’m sitting here with four stitches in my mouth after having some unexpected dental surgery. No, the timing isn’t great—I’ll only be eating soft foods today—but I’m thankful anyway.

While Thanksgiving Day has morphed into being much about food, football, and family, and less about THE ONE who provided it, that doesn’t have to be the case. Being thankful is an individual choice. YOU make the decision about whether to express your gratitude for the bountiful blessings you’ve been given, and you can do that no matter what your circumstances are today.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

I don’t know what your circumstances are, but here’s a short list of things I have encountered personally or counseled with others who have had to face these circumstances. There are always things to be thankful for . . . anyway.

1. Chronic pain or illness — even while managing daily discomfort, you can be thankful for skilled doctors, small improvements, or the strength God gives to endure.
   
   
2. Financial strain — when the budget is tight, you can still be grateful for daily provision, a friend’s generosity, or unexpected reminders of God’s care.
   
   
3. Loneliness — in seasons when relationships feel distant, you can be thankful for God’s presence, moments of connection, or the hope of new friendships.
   
   
4. Grief after losing someone — even in sorrow, you can be thankful for the memories, the love shared, and the comfort God provides.
   
   
5. Waiting for answers or direction — in uncertainty, you can thank God for His wisdom, His timing, and the doors He will eventually open or close.
   
   
6. Family conflict — though painful, you can be grateful for opportunities to grow in patience, forgiveness, and grace.
   
   
7. Workplace stress — even when tasks pile up or tensions rise, you can be thankful for meaningful work, supportive coworkers, and God’s sustaining help.
   
   
8. A difficult diagnosis — you can have gratitude for compassionate medical staff, treatment options, or the peace God gives when the future feels overwhelming.
   
   
9. Unexpected disappointments — when plans fall apart, you can still be thankful for God’s protection, His redirection, and the lessons tucked inside the setback.
   
   
10. A strained or uncertain future — even when nothing feels secure, you can be thankful for God’s promises, His faithfulness in the past, and the hope He guarantees for tomorrow.
    

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1