Reflecting on Thankfulness
On Thanksgiving, the smell of a turkey slowly roasting in the oven and sounds of family members gathering with laughter often summon feelings of overwhelming gratitude. However, the details of the day can also lead to feelings of anxiousness, a state of hurriedness, and even winding tension from navigating differing opinions shared around the table.
No matter what your Thanksgiving holds, taking time for intentional reflection on biblical truths and the goodness of God reminds us that He is the source of every blessing. This practice also brings into focus all that God has provided, fostering a spirit of gratitude.
The following are select verses and biblical truths from Assemblies of God leaders that families can reflect on during this season of thankfulness.
Doug Clay, General Superintendent
Ephesians 5:20, NIV, Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving reminds us to pause amid life’s busyness and recognize the countless blessings we often take for granted — from the people who love us to the simple gift of another day. Giving thanks, not because of our circumstances but because of Jesus, transforms our perspective from focusing on what’s missing to realizing that what we have is enough.
Donna Barrett, General Secretary
Ephesians 1:21, NIV, God’s power and mighty strength are … far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
I am thankful our God is higher than any other system that could otherwise be intimidating — a court of law, media, artificial intelligence, education, medical systems and diseases, mental health, government, etc. Our God is not a colleague of any other god. Our God is not subservient to any system, entity, platform, or power. Our God does not end with time but lives forever and sees today through an eternal lens.
Rick Ross, General Treasurer
1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
This verse reminds me to give thanks in all circumstances — something that is easy in the good times but is equally important in the difficult times. This isn’t just psychological advice so you feel better, it is God’s plan to help you stay focused on His power and not the circumstances surrounding you. When we acknowledge God’s total involvement in our lives, we see His perfect plan playing out. I will give thanks in every situation because I know that in every situation, God is working for me.
Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesús, AG U.S. Missions Executive Director
Colossians 3:17, NIV And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This verse is powerful to reflect on during Thanksgiving because it reminds us that gratitude is meant to be lived out — not just spoken. It requires intentionality, calling us to let our words and our actions line up with the character of Christ. When we encourage others, we honor God’s Word and become like Barnabas, lifting people up through genuine care. The verse also grounds our motivation: everything we do should be done unto Jesus, which brings deeper meaning to our thankfulness. Thanksgiving becomes, not just a holiday but a posture of life that honors God.
John Easter, AG World Missions Executive Director
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This verse reminds me that gratitude and thankfulness are not tied to perfect moments but rather are anchored in the consistency of God’s dependable presence in all seasons of life and ministry. It’s in our relationship with Christ that we rest in God’s faithfulness, which shapes our lives in unexpected ways.
Darryl Wootton, South Central Area Executive Presbyter & Oklahoma Assemblies of God Superintendent
Philippians 4:6, NLT, Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6 reminds us that Thanksgiving is not just an annual holiday, it is a daily posture of the heart. Paul connects gratitude to peace, showing that when we thank God for what He has already done, our anxieties begin to loosen their grip. During Thanksgiving season, this verse reorients our hearts from worry to worship and from pressure to peace. It is a timely reminder that gratitude is both a spiritual discipline and a pathway to the presence of God.
Duane Durst, Northeast Area Executive Presbyter
Philippians 1:3-4, KJV, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.
When I think of this verse, I think of the many individuals who poured into my life and how blessed I am for their investment. My father, Emerson; late New York Superintendent Emeritus Al Bartholomew; and former General Superintendents Thomas Trask and George Wood. Each of them had influence in changing the course of my life. Because of them and other friends and family, my life has exceeded my dreams. I’m thankful!