Thanksgiving was never meant to be about football, gut-expanding indulgence, and shopping carts.
It was, and still is, supposed to be a day we stop, breathe, and give thanks.
But like every other holiday that once honored Him, America has slowly, and quite efficiently, erased God from the celebration. We kept the meal, the decorations, the family photos… but somehow managed to forget the One we’re supposed to be thanking.
How Thanksgiving Actually Started
When the first settlers arrived, they weren’t stepping into a land of comfort and opportunity like the brochures say.
They walked into hardship: raw, brutal, unfiltered.
They faced a harsh climate.
They had only what they brought by boat.
Imagine being stranded on an island with nothing but your suitcase.
They had to build tools from scratch.
Chop down trees for shelter.
Turn wilderness into farmland.
Bury their dead.
And navigate conflict with people already living here.
Many died from famine, exposure, sickness, and conflict.
They weren’t strong; they were desperate.
But through it all, they prayed.
They gave thanks.
They acknowledged that even survival itself was a mercy from God.
A Story as Old as Scripture
The parallels with God’s people in the Old Testament are almost impossible to ignore.
Just like the Jews returning to the land God promised Abraham:
The settlers traveled to a land given, not earned.
They faced adversity from people who did not know their God.
They battled the elements, hunger, and fear.
And they learned – painfully – that God helps us, but He doesn’t tie our shoes for us.
God allows adversity because hardship refines us.
Like silver being polished until it reflects an image, we are shaped through trial until we reflect His.
Thanksgiving was born out of that truth: a people humbled by reality, grateful for survival, and aware that everything they had, came from God’s hand.
God Provided This Land and We Knew It
For centuries, Americans understood this.
That’s why our pledge says, “One nation, under God.”
Not under government.
Not under a king.
Under God.
That’s why our dollar says, “In God We Trust.”
It was meant to remind us, every time we bought groceries, every time we paid a bill, God provides.
But now we barely use dollars.
We swipe cards and tap phones.
Convenience grows; gratitude shrinks.
The reminders fade, and so does the reverence.
How We Lost Thanksgiving
Over time, the papal system outlawed the Sabbath, churches forgot the command to rest, and religion replaced intimacy with ritual.
Then culture finished the job.
Holidays that once honored God became days to honor… us.
Thanksgiving became an eating competition.
Black Friday became a stampede of materialism.
The prayers stopped.
The gratitude shifted inward, “Look what we built,” “Look what we bought.”
We turned a holy day into a holiday.
But no matter how far culture drifts, the original meaning doesn’t change.
Thanksgiving Is Still a Day to Give Thanks to the Lord
Not because the government says so.
Not because the calendar says so.
But because Scripture commands us to live in gratitude: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1
Thanksgiving is a reminder , a reset, a return to the truth that everything we have is from Him.
Food.
Family.
Freedom.
Breath.
The settlers knew this.
The prophets knew it.
The early church knew it.
And deep down, so do we.
So, this Thanksgiving, before the turkey, before the football, before the chaos…
Stop.
Take a breath.
Speak His Name.
And give thanks to the One who carried you through every wilderness, including this one.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” — James 1:17
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Father,
On this day of Thanksgiving, remind us of what truly matters.
Strip away the noise, the distractions, and the gluttony of modern tradition.
Return our hearts to gratitude, real gratitude rooted in the truth that every breath, every blessing, and every bit of strength comes from You.
Thank You for Your provision, Your protection, and Your patience.
Teach us to walk humbly, to acknowledge You in all we have,
and to honor You not just today, but every day.
In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Provider.
Amen.
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Thanks for the reminder of what today is all about.
We are blessed to live in a beautiful place, in a country still free enough to be able to publicly thank God for His love and providence.
Thank you for a wonderful essay on Thanksgiving. I'm sharing this with other people, especially friends who don't live locally. I know that I'm grateful for everything in spite of what I read and hear elsewhere. Actually every day is Thanksgiving day, waking up to a new fresh start is important to realize,no matter who you are ,your religion,your political affiliation,race or age.