Gratitude in Every Circumstance

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving—a time to gather, reflect, and remember all that God has done for us throughout the year. If you’re anything like me, when you picture the first Thanksgiving you probably imagine a table overflowing with food, fellowship, and joy. But the real story of that first Thanksgiving began in a place of deep suffering.

The Pilgrims who set sail in 1620 endured a brutal Atlantic crossing marked by storms, sickness, and loss. When they finally reached Massachusetts—cold, weak, and far off course—they found a harsh winter waiting for them. More than half of them died from hunger, exposure, and disease. Families were torn apart. Hope was fragile.

And yet—right in the middle of their despair—God provided.

He brought the Wampanoag people into their lives, strangers who taught them how to plant, fish, and survive in a land they did not understand. God turned fear into hope, scarcity into provision, and grief into gratitude. Their first Thanksgiving wasn’t a feast of comfort—it was a declaration that God had carried them through the impossible.

This theme is woven all throughout Scripture. God is revealed as a generous Father who provides abundantly. But we, in our weakness, often fear the opposite. From the Garden of Eden onward, humanity has struggled to trust God’s goodness. We worry there won’t be enough, or that God may withhold what we need. And yet, He is always faithful.

As we continue to examine the Attributes of God, this week we see that God is faithful and generous in every circumstance. The early church clung to this truth. Though persecuted and poor, they shared freely, cared deeply, and lived with confidence in God’s provision. And this is what Paul reminds the Philippian church of in Philippians 4:4–13—words he writes from prison. In hardship, uncertainty, and suffering, Paul calls them to rejoice, to trust, and to rest in God’s faithfulness.

Rejoicing in All Circumstances

Paul begins with a command: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He does not say rejoice when life is easy or when things go your way. He says always. In every season. In every circumstance. Why? Because joy in hardship paints a picture of the strength we have in Christ. It shines a light that the world cannot ignore.

Paul then tells them, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” Even in pain, they were to reflect the love of Christ. Their suffering did not stop God from using them—it prepared them. Hardship is often the fire God uses to refine and equip His people.

But Paul also knows this: we cannot do this in our own strength. Our hope is not in our circumstances—it is in the God who promises never to leave or forsake us.

That is why Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything…” not because their situation was easy, but because their God was faithful. They were to make their requests known to Him with thanksgiving—trusting that He would give them what they needed. And in return, God would give them peace that “surpasses all understanding.”

Learning to Trust God’s Faithfulness

If you’ve ever struggled with worry, you’re in good company. I know what it’s like to make plans on top of plans, to try to solve a problem before praying about it. I know what it’s like to give my burdens to God—only to take them right back again.

But God, in His mercy, teaches us to trust Him. Looking back at our lives, we see His fingerprints everywhere—moments where He provided exactly what we needed. These memories strengthen our faith for today.

One of the most helpful practices Scripture offers us is biblical meditation—not emptying your mind, but filling it with truth. As someone once told me, “If you can worry, you can meditate.” Worry is simply meditating on the wrong things. Biblical meditation brings peace by fixing our minds on God’s goodness.

This is exactly what Paul instructs in verse 8: think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable. Focus on God’s character, His promises, His provision.

Modern research is catching up with Scripture—gratitude literally changes us. It strengthens relationships, improves mental health, increases resilience, and brings peace. God designed us for thankful worship. Gratitude shapes our hearts and our perspective.

The Secret of Contentment

Paul then shares his own testimony. He thanks the Philippians for their kindness, but he clarifies that his joy is not rooted in material provision. He says, “I have learned to be content.”

Contentment does not come naturally. Because of sin, our default setting is grumbling or complaining. But grumbling—Scripture teaches—is not a small thing. It is a declaration of unbelief, a quiet accusation that God is not good or trustworthy.

That is why contentment must be learned.

Paul says he has learned to be content whether he has much or little, whether he is hungry or well-fed. His secret? “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Paul is essentially saying:“No matter my situation, Christ is enough.” Christ defines us—not our circumstances. Christ sustains us—not our strength. Christ provides for us—day by day.

A Thanksgiving Invitation

As we approach Thanksgiving this year, take time to reflect on your journey. For some, this year has been marked by sorrow, loss, illness, or loneliness. For others, it has been a year of blessing and joy Wherever you find yourself today, remember this:You are not alone.God has not abandoned you.His faithfulness has carried you to this moment—and it will carry you into tomorrow.

So this week, set aside time to meditate on what is true and good. Practice gratitude. Remember the God who has already carried you through so much.

Just as the Pilgrims lifted their thanks to God in the midst of hardship, let us lift our thanksgiving to the God who is unfailingly faithful, abundantly generous, and worthy of all our praise.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” May this promise anchor your heart this Thanksgiving.