In our home, November 1 signals the beginning of holiday shopping, meal preparation and festive decorating. For many families, Thanksgiving stands out as a time that calls for intentional expressions of gratitude. Yet as transformed believers, we understand that Thanksgiving is far more than just a holiday. It is a sacred rhythm woven into the life of God’s covenant community—a reflection of His unchanging goodness and an invitation to draw closer to His presence. As members of His household, we recognize that true gratitude flows from hearts attuned to His grace and provision, shaping not only how we give thanks but also how we live, worship, and connect with one another.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100 invites us to come before God with vibrant joy and gratitude, testifying to His goodness, mercy, and truth. The imagery of entering His gates and courts creates a striking depiction of the spiritual journey from gratitude to intimacy as we encounter the living God who shepherds and sustains us.
Growing up in a household of nine, I observed the joy my father experienced when all his children were together. Our residence was imbued with joy, vitality and the deep connection of a life shared together. The joy my father experienced in our unity unveiled a profound truth regarding the essence of God—a Father who longs for His family to be together, honoring His love and provision with genuine praise.
The first two lines of the Psalm above call this into reality. God invites us into His presence as a family united in joy. He doesn’t seek a quiet, somber gathering; instead, He desires celebration! As we gather throughout the year in district-wide Regional Connects and Foursquare Leader Conferences, along with joining together at the annual Connection hosted across the nation, the Father says, “Come to Me from across lands with excitement and gratitude! Sing, laugh and rejoice in who I am to you and who you are to Me.” His heart overflows with radical love for us, and He calls for our response in joy-filled praise.
Entering His courts with Thanksgiving, in its deepest sense, is more than gratitude—it is the spiritual key that opens the gates to new dimensions of God’s presence and purpose. The Hebrew word for “gate” is sha’ar, signifying an entryway, a passage into greater things. As we give thanks, we step through these gates, transitioning into new spiritual realities, whether in our families, ministries, or personal walk with God.
This act of thanksgiving is transformative, propelling us into seasons of blessing and insight, shifting our perspective from earthly limitations to divine possibilities. In thanksgiving, we align our hearts with God’s goodness, allowing His provision to reshape our understanding of what is possible.
After entering with thanksgiving, praise draws us into God’s courts—a place of both intimacy and authority. The Hebrew term for “courts” is chatser, denoting an enclosed, protected space where we encounter God’s righteous judgments and His loving purpose. This sacred space invites us to see through His eyes, discern His will and participate in His kingdom work.
Thanksgiving and praise leave a lasting impact on the spiritual landscape, creating pathways for future generations. They are fundamental pillars of individual spiritual development, enabling us to fully embrace God’s provision and leave a legacy. Thanksgiving is more than a tradition or practice—it is a profound theological declaration of God’s sovereignty, a response to His unfailing goodness and a glimpse of the eternal joy awaiting His people.
Let us embrace Thanksgiving as a way of life, continually entering His gates with gratitude and His courts with praise, proclaiming His goodness to every generation.
