We live in a consumer culture, which is defined as: a culture focused on the purchase and consumption of goods and services in society, which greatly influences values, activities and the social status of its members. It is sometimes difficult to give thanks in a culture based around consuming. It is a self-centered thing to consume and when that becomes our focus (consume, consume, consume) it makes it challenging to look outside of ourselves and at the things we already have to be thankful for them. While this coming time of Thanksgiving often shifts our focus to thankfulness, it is a period that exists for less than a day before the focus then shifts back to Christmas lists, and thus, all the things you don’t have. How long after giving thanks at Thanksgiving dinner do you open up the Black Friday ads and covet all the things you don’t have? Below, to help in focusing your mind less on consuming and more on thankfulness, you will find a list of Scriptures centered on thankfulness.

“…be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 20:18b-20)

“But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24)

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

This Thanksgiving, make a list of all the things for which you have to be thankful, all of the blessings God has given you, and meditate on this list. Recenter your thinking from consuming to giving thanks.

To the glory of the Lord God, whose I am, and whom I serve.