Last year, I had the privilege of welcoming more than 40 women into my home for an evening of cookies, cocoa, and carols. I invited them from my church to come together for a time of fellowship, worship, and to prepare our hearts for Advent. What a beautiful, soul-refreshing night it was!
One of the songs we sang was “Bless God” by Brooke Ligertwood. If you’re unfamiliar with it, here are just a few of the powerful lyrics:
Bless God in the sanctuary
Bless God in the fields of plenty
Bless God in the darkest valley
Every chance I get, I’ll bless Your Name
Bless God when my hands are empty
Bless God with a praise that costs me
Bless God when nobody’s watching
Every chance I get, I’ll bless Your Name
Bless God when the weapons forming
Bless God when the walls are falling
Bless God ’cause He goes before me
Every chance I get, I’ll bless Your Name
Bless God for He holds the victory
Bless God for He’s always with me
Bless God for He’s always worthy
Every chance I get, I’ll bless Your Name
You can listen to the full song here.
As I looked around at the women worshipping, I couldn’t help but reflect on their stories. Some have lost children. Some have faced devastating financial struggles or the unexpected loss of a job. Others have battled cancer or injuries from accidents. And some have endured the deep pain of betrayal. Yet, in that room, every single one of these women was offering God their praise.
What a wonder that is!
Each woman present last night has learned the secret to resilience. And that secret is gratitude. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
When we choose to praise and thank God, even in the hardest of times, the Holy Spirit strengthens our resilience and deepens our faith.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving, I challenge you to reflect on this past year and give thanks for it all—both the triumphs and the trials.
Here are some questions to guide your reflection:
- What difficult circumstances did you face this past year? How did you experience God’s faithfulness in the midst of those challenges?
- Where did you encounter a new awareness of God’s presence this year?
- How did you experience God’s unexpected provision in the last 12 months?
- What’s one way God spoke to you through His Word this year?
- What is one relationship from this past year that has been especially sweet and meaningful to you?
Take a few moments to ponder these questions and write your answers down. Consider keeping them in a gratitude journal so you can look back and trace the faithfulness of God through the years. As you continue to faithfully praise God and give thanks, you’ll find your joy and faith growing stronger.
Celebrate His goodness this Thanksgiving!
Purchase Becky’s latest book Cultivating Deeper Connections in A Lonely World here.
