One historical United States tradition is Thanksgiving Day, observed the fourth Thursday in November. There is food to prepare, there are tables to be set, a feast to be shared, family and friends to talk with, and stories to tell.

However, whether or not we actually observe an annual Thanksgiving Day, Christians everywhere are called to be thankful people. Often, our thankfulness overflows—easily seen in our actions and heard in our words. Sometimes, our thankfulness is called for in difficult times when being thankful is the last thing on our minds.

Perhaps you remember a call-and-response in worship or other group setting that has been used, especially when difficult times arise. The leader says, “God is good,” and the people respond, “All the time!” Then the leader says, “All the time,” and the people respond, “God is good!” How comforting it is for us to be reminded of God’s nature by first hearing those words and then responding. But in those difficult times, we may well find God’s healing power—God’s rescue—as we remember and follow the admonition of Paul from his letter to the Thessalonians: “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:17-18).

What are you thankful for today? What do you want to be thankful for that is not yet on your “giving thanks” list? What could you do to make each day a “thanks-giving” day?

Consider inviting those you celebrate with today to listen to the words of Psalm 100 as words of thanksgiving to God.