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. (Philippians 4:6–7)

It was the day before Thanksgiving—Andrea’s first without her husband, who had left three months earlier. Her two oldest children had the flu, money was nearly gone, and the gray rain outside matched her weariness. When she checked her purse, she found only $2.50 to last the week.

Then the phone rang. Her former church had called—there was a gift waiting. On her way to the store, she stopped by and was handed an envelope containing two $20 grocery certificates. Tears filled her eyes.

At the store, she bought what her children needed for $14 and handed the clerk a certificate. The clerk turned away, silent for a moment. Andrea explained how her church had blessed her as a struggling single mother. The clerk turned back, crying, and asked if Andrea had food for Thanksgiving. When Andrea said no, the woman insisted, “Pick out a turkey and the fixings—and some Gatorade for the kids.”

When Andrea returned, the clerk said, “This morning I prayed that I could help someone. Then you came through my line.” She paid the bill herself, gave Andrea her change, and added, “I’m a Christian—call me if you need anything.” Then she kissed Andrea’s cheek and said, “God bless you.”

That Thanksgiving, Andrea and her children—too sick to visit their father—shared a feast provided through the kindness of strangers and the love of God.

Losing Sight of Gratitude

At Thanksgiving, we often forget to thank God amid the busyness of food, family, and football. Yet the very heart of the holiday is gratitude—to recognize that everything we have comes from God. King David prayed, “O Lord our God, even these materials that we have gathered…come from You! It all belongs to You” (1 Chronicles 29:16 NLT).

Everything starts with God. Therefore, we are called not just to thank Him for everything, but through everything—even the tough times.

Thankful in Hard Seasons

Everyone faces difficulties. Yet Scripture calls us not only to endure them, but to be thankful through them. Studies even show that the most stressful time of year is between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—finances, strained family gatherings, and the pain of missing loved ones all take a toll.

Still, the apostle Paul, writing from prison, urges believers:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

How can we rejoice when life is falling apart—when money’s tight, loved ones are gone, or the future looks uncertain? Paul gives the answer in Philippians 4:6–7:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Paul outlines three simple, powerful steps: don’t worry, pray about everything, and thank God in everything.

1. Don’t Worry

“Be anxious for nothing.” Easy to say, hard to do. We live in what’s been called “the Golden Age of Anxiety.” From alarm clocks to bad news, worry greets us each morning.

A study by Dr. Walter Calvert found that:

• 40% of worries never happen.
• 30% concern the past.
• 12% are unfounded health fears.
• 10% are petty issues.

That means only 8% are legitimate. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow… Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

Paul, chained in prison, still said, “Don’t worry.” His faith wasn’t based on comfort, but on confidence in God.

2. Pray About Everything

“But in everything by prayer and supplication…”

If we cut our worry time by 92%, we gain that time to pray! God cares about all things—the big and the small. “Prayer” refers to general requests; “supplication” to specific details. If it’s worth worrying about, it’s worth praying about.

Peter writes, “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) The word “cast” means to throw upon. Once we’ve given our worries to God, we must leave them there instead of picking them back up.

3. Thank God in Everything

“…with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Paul says give thanks in everything—not for everything. We can’t thank God for evil or suffering, but we can thank Him in it, knowing “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

We can be thankful because God provides strength to endure trials and promises a way through every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). His purpose is bigger than our pain, and His grace is sufficient.

Instead of focusing on what’s been lost, we can thank God for what remains. Gratitude opens the door to healing.

Two Things to Thank God for Every Day

God’s Grace

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Grace is God’s unearned favor—His forgiveness instead of judgment. Once we understand grace, gratitude overflows. Without Jesus, we’re lost; with Him, we’re saved by faith in His death and resurrection.

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9–10)

Grace means we have been rescued. That alone is reason for lifelong thanksgiving.

God’s Love

Nothing can separate us from God’s love—“neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities…nor any other created thing.” (Romans 8:38–39)

Even when we sin, God still loves us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) His love pursues us through every high and low.

Hold Fast

When times get tough, don’t give up—hold fast. Scripture repeats this call: hold fast to faith, to God’s word, and to hope. Jesus told the churches in Revelation to hold fast to His name and promises.

We are weak on our own, but God’s Spirit strengthens us. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord. (Zechariah 4:6)

Even as the world grows darker, we must stand firm. “Let us lay aside every weight…and run with endurance the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

Conclusion

To be thankful through tough times, remember Paul’s threefold counsel:

1. Worry about nothing.
2. Pray about everything.
3. Thank God in all things.

Then comes God’s promise:

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

This peace is supernatural—beyond explanation—because it comes from Jesus Christ Himself. When we trust Him, He guards our hearts and minds, keeping us steady when everything else falls apart.

So today, whatever you face—loss, fear, or uncertainty—choose gratitude. Pray instead of worrying. Thank God not just for blessings, but through the battle.

And you’ll find that the peace of God, deeper than understanding, will meet you there.

Dennis Lee is Senior Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, Mesquite, Nevada. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts that he posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website

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