"Thanksgiving in August"

Thanksgiving in August: A Call to Grateful Living

This morning, I woke up with one prayer on my heart:

“Father, I thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your goodness, Your mercy, and Your grace. Thank You that we don’t have to earn Your love or strive to make life work in our strength. You’ve already done so much for us, and today, we simply choose to stop, remember, and give thanks.”

That’s what today is all about—Thanksgiving in August. I know, it sounds a little unusual, doesn’t it? Turkey and cranberry sauce when the summer sun is still blazing. Sweet potato casserole while kids are just starting a new school year. It feels out of season. And yet, maybe that’s exactly the point.

Gratitude Out of Season

There are times when gratitude flows naturally—someone blesses you, and you instantly say, “Thank you.” But then there are days when gratitude takes practice. When life feels upside down, when problems pile up, when August is overwhelming and the harvest feels far away, those are the moments when thankfulness becomes a choice.

This past week, I faced one of those moments. A problem came up at work, one big enough to weigh heavy on my heart. My first instinct was to complain, to vent to my friends, to let frustration take over. But God gently reminded me of a better way.

I shut my office door, turned on worship music, and began to sing—on purpose. Not because I felt like it, but because I needed to refocus.

Sometimes, we have to practice gratitude until it becomes our posture.

When We Don’t Know What to Do

This truth runs deep through Scripture. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced an impossible situation. A great multitude was coming against Judah—an enemy too large to fight. Naturally, fear set in. But Jehoshaphat didn’t rally his army. He didn’t sharpen his swords. Instead, he gathered the people, fasted, and prayed:

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)

And God answered.

“You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)

Instead of leading with warriors, Jehoshaphat sent out singers. Imagine that—an army advancing toward battle, and at the front, people praising God, declaring:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:21)

While they worshiped, God fought for them. The enemies turned on each other, and by the time Judah arrived, the battle was already won.

That’s the power of gratitude and worship: it shifts our focus from our problems to God’s promises.

Peculiar People, Unshakable Hope

Some may call it strange. Peculiar, even. And they’re right—we are different.

1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are God’s “own special people,” chosen and set apart to proclaim His goodness. Practicing thanksgiving in August may seem odd to the world, but it’s a declaration of faith.

It says:

• We trust God’s timing, even when it doesn’t make sense.

• We believe His provision, even when the harvest isn’t in our hands.

• We celebrate victory before we see it, because God has already won.

That’s why we give thanks—even when it feels out of season.

Gratitude Changes Everything

Science is catching up to what Scripture has said all along: gratitude is good for you. It lowers stress, improves physical health, sharpens your mind, and strengthens relationships.

But more than that, gratitude aligns us with God’s heart. Philippians 2:14–15 calls us to:

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God… among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

When we choose thankfulness instead of complaining, we shine. Our lives become living testimonies of God’s goodness.

It Would Have Been Enough

One of my favorite reminders comes from a Jewish Passover song called Dayenu, meaning “It would have been enough.”

• If God had rescued Israel from slavery—but done nothing more—it would have been enough.

• If He had parted the Red Sea—but done nothing more—it would have been enough.

• If He had given us Jesus—but done nothing more—it would have been enough.

And yet, He’s done so much more.

He has redeemed us, called us His own, filled us with His Spirit, and promised us eternal life. How can we not pause—even in the heat of August—to say, “Thank You, Lord”?

Shining Lights in a Dark World

The world may sit in darkness, but we’ve been called into God’s marvelous light. We are His “special treasure,” His “peculiar people,” His “own possession.” That identity makes us different. It changes how we respond to hard days, unexpected battles, and overwhelming seasons.

So yes, we’ll set aside this Sunday in August. We’ll gather around tables, share a meal, and lift our voices in praise. Not because it makes sense, but because God is faithful.

Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday, it’s a lifestyle. It’s daily practice. And sometimes, it’s a declaration of faith in the middle of the battle.

Today, and every day, we can stand still, lift our eyes, and say:

“Lord, I don’t have this, but You do. And that’s enough for me.”