Thanksgiving. A heart of Gratitude and Hope. Psalm 100:4-5
Good Morning
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say, “Hello” to someone.
Thanksgiving Sermon: "A Heart of Gratitude and Hope"
Turn with me in our Bible to the Book of Psalms and turn to Psalm 100:4-5 and say, “Amen” when you are there.
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Thanksgiving is not just a day but a declaration—a declaration that God is good, His love never fails, and His faithfulness endures through all generations.
In a world that often feels heavy with uncertainty and brokenness, the practice of gratitude anchors us in the unshakable hope of God’s promises.
Today, we will uncover how a grateful heart unlocks God’s peace, strengthens our faith, and positions us to be vessels of His hope to a weary world.
Whether you come here with joy or sorrow, abundance or lack, this message is for you. Gratitude is the bridge to hope, and hope is the foundation of our faith in Christ.
1. Gratitude as a Choice in All Circumstances
Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Gratitude is not just a response to blessings but a deliberate choice to trust God, no matter the circumstances.
It’s easy to thank God in times of abundance, but it’s in the valley that gratitude becomes a powerful act of faith.
Think about Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25. Imprisoned unjustly, beaten, and chained, they chose to worship God in the midnight hour. Their praise and gratitude not only invited God’s miraculous intervention but also became a witness to those around them. The jailer and his household were saved that night because two men refused to let their chains define their faith.
- What “midnight hour” are you facing right now?
- Can you trust that God is still worthy of praise even when the outcome is unclear?
Gratitude doesn’t ignore the pain; it declares that God is bigger than the pain.
2. Hope Anchored in God’s Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:22-23
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Gratitude and hope are inseparable. Gratitude looks back on what God has done, while hope looks forward to what He will do. Together, they create a foundation that sustains us through life’s storms.
Imagine the Pilgrims during their first Thanksgiving. Half of their community had perished from sickness and starvation. Yet, they paused to thank God for His provision, knowing that His faithfulness had carried them that far and would lead them further.
In your life, what past victories can you recall to fuel your hope for the future?
God’s faithfulness in the past is a guarantee of His presence in your present and His promise for your future.
3. Gratitude as a Witness to the World
Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Gratitude does more than transform our hearts; it shines as a testimony to the world. In a culture fixated on scarcity, fear, and self-reliance, gratitude rooted in faith declares the sufficiency of God.
When others see you give thanks in adversity, they will ask, “What makes you different?”
Your gratitude becomes a beacon, pointing others to the unshakable hope found in Christ.
- Begin each day with three declarations of gratitude, no matter how small.
- Let your thankfulness overflow into acts of generosity, kindness, and encouragement to those around you.
The Ultimate Gift of Hope
As we give thanks this season, let us not forget the greatest reason for gratitude: Jesus Christ. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to bring us from death to life, from hopelessness to eternal hope.
Some of you may be carrying burdens too heavy to bear. Others may feel distant from God, unsure of where you stand with Him.
Let me remind you today: His love is steadfast, His grace is sufficient, and His invitation is open. You don’t have to walk through life alone.
Our Time of Prayer should include Gratitude, Surrender, and Renewal
- Thank God for His visible blessings, unseen protection, and the gift of salvation.
- Acknowledge His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives.
Bow you heads and silently thank God for specific ways He has shown His faithfulness.
- Surrender any areas of worry, fear, or bitterness, trusting God to bring peace and restoration.
A Step Toward Gratitude and Hope
"As we close, I want to invite anyone who feels a tug on their heart. Perhaps you’re longing to lay down the weight of your burdens and trade it for the peace of God. Maybe you’ve never received the ultimate gift of salvation, and today, you feel God calling you into His family.
The altar is open. Whether you need prayer for healing, peace, or simply want to thank God publicly, this is your moment. Don’t leave here the same way you came. Step out in faith and let God meet you where you are."
Let us close with Romans 15:13.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
This Thanksgiving, leave with hearts overflowing with gratitude and hope, knowing that the God who has been faithful in the past is already working in your future. Go and be a light in a world hungry for His goodness. Amen.
