Nothing changes one’s attitude like saying ‘Thank you.’ Giving thanks is the quickest route out of discouragement, anger, fear and so much more.
The psalmist reminds us of our opportunities and responsibility to give thanks to God. “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods” (Ps. 95:1-3).
G.K. Chesterton said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
Leaders are focused on leading and for that reason we sometimes forget to be thankful. There is always the next thing in front of us that needs attention, the next problem to be solved, the next opportunity to embrace.
Leaders, however, lead first by example and the Lord would have us practice thanksgiving. What can pastors, elders, church staff and ministry leaders be thankful for as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday?
1. We can give thanks for our ministry assignment: Ministry is a privilege, not a right. Even a difficult assignment is an assignment from God to serve Him, His people and His mission. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:12, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” If God has given you an assignment, then give thanks for it.
2. We can give thanks for the people in our life: A CDC (Center for Disease Control) report in June 2024 summarized, “Loneliness and lack of social connection are widespread and post a threat to mental and physical health.” Leadership is lonely by nature as leaders are called to make decisions that are not always popular. If you have a spouse who loves you, children you are close to or a friend that you can be vulnerable with, then give thanks to God.
3. We can give thanks for the challenges we face: I love it when life is easy — but easy never lasts. There are times when all has seemed right in my world, and I think, “I could do this work forever.” No sooner have those words passed my lips before things shifted, the world is on top of me, and I am wondering if I can survive another day. I have learned, however, that God uses those challenging times for my sanctification. A friend of mine once said about hard times that they make you draw close to God and anything that makes you get close to God is ultimately a good thing. We can give thanks for the challenges we face.
4. We can give thanks for the provision the Lord has given: If you are born again into God’s family then your future and provision are secure. Paul reminded us in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” At this time of year, we can give thanks for how the Lord has provided for our needs and look to the future with confidence that He will continue to do so. That is good news!
5. We can give thanks for the grace of the cross: After hearing a story of a “judgment tree” this week from an IMB leader, I experimented with a poem using Artificial Intelligence. I shared original thoughts and asked AI to develop those thoughts into a poem. After some work and modifications, I was given what you see below:
The Judgment Tree
There stands another judgment tree
On a hill best known as Calvary,
Where One bore wrath meant still for me—
Love’s verdict won, and I walk free.
Beneath its shade my fears depart,
His mercy mends my broken heart;
The cross declares a brand-new start—
Grace writes my name upon His scars.
And when at last I bow the knee,
Before the throne of Majesty,
I’ll praise the Lamb who died for me—
My hope forever: that judgment tree.
I am not advising that we get our theology from AI. We know God by studying the Bible. I am advising that leaders remember the cross and resurrection and give thanks.
6. We can give thanks for time to rest and reset: Psalm 127:2 reminds us, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” God is good to us, and not only does He give us meaningful work, but He also gives us time to rest. Give thanks to the Lord for time to rest.
7. We can give thanks that the best is yet to come: Like you, I have read the Bible. In fact, just this morning I read of a day that is to come when, according to the prophet Micah in Micah 4:4, “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.” For the people of God, the best is yet to come and for that we can give thanks.
Those of us who are saved by the grace of God have much to be thankful for.
May the Lord’s blessings abide on you, your family and your ministry and may you find time in the days ahead to rest, reflect and give thanks to the giver of all good things.
Dr. Todd Gray 