Thankful in the Battle: A Thanksgiving Message for the Men Who Keep Showing Up

Because sometimes giving thanks feels less like a holiday vibe and more like an act of spiritual warfare.

Thanksgiving Day is supposed to be:

• Warm smiles 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• A perfectly roasted turkey 🦃

• Peaceful family moments ✨

• Gratitude flowing like rivers of gravy

…but for many men, the real Thanksgiving Day experience looks a little more like:

• Family tension

• Burnt rolls because someone was "just checking Facebook real quick"

• Trying not to argue about politics with your uncle

• Pretending not to be upset the Lions are losing again

And on top of that, you may be walking through stress. You may be carrying pressure. You may feel unseen in your efforts. You may even feel exhausted in your spirit. So how in the world do we stay thankful in a culture that seems designed to wear us down?

The Bible Doesn’t Say “Give Thanks Because Everything Is Good”

It says: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Meaning: You don’t need to feel thankful to choose thankfulness. Thankfulness is not a reaction, it’s a declaration.

It says: “God, I trust You even here.” “God, You’re still working even when I don’t see it.” “God, You have not left me in the struggle.” Thankfulness isn’t about things going right. It’s about remembering God is still God even when they don’t.

Why Thanksgiving Is Spiritual Warfare

The enemy doesn’t fear men who:

• Go to church sometimes

• Say they believe in God

• Own five different Bible versions and a Strong’s Concordance

He fears men who:

• Stay faithful when life gets heavy

• Love their wives when marriage feels tough

• Pray for their kids when they act wild

• Keep showing up even when the world pushes against them

• Give thanks in seasons of uncertainty

Gratitude is defiance.It is rebellion against despair. When you choose gratitude, you are saying: “Satan, you do not get the final word here.”

And Let’s Talk About Our Struggles as Men in This Culture

Today’s world tells men:

• “Be strong — but not too strong.”

• “Lead — but don’t offend anyone.”

• “Speak truth — as long as it matches culture.”

• “Protect your family — but don’t have convictions.”

No wonder we’re tired.

But brother, God didn’t create you to crumble under cultural pressure. He created you to stand. Ephesians 6:13 says, “After you have done everything…stand.”

And for many men…standing is the hardest thing you’ll do. Standing when frustrated. Standing when misunderstood. Standing when tired. Standing when no one sees the private battles you fight.

So hear this, this Thanksgiving, you’re not celebrating perfection. You’re celebrating the God who is walking with you through the battle.

What You Can Be Thankful For Right Now

Even if:

• Your family’s complicated

• Your finances are tight

• Your emotions feel stretched

• Your faith walk has been messy this year

You still have reasons to give thanks:

1. God hasn't given up on you.

Philippians 1:6 - He will finish what He started.

2. You woke up today.

Psalm 3:5 - That is mercy.

3. You are not fighting alone.

Joshua 1:9 - God is with you.

4. You are being shaped into something stronger.

Romans 5:3–4 - Struggle produces character.

5. Your story is not over.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - New mercy...every morning.

If you:

• Burn the turkey

• Drop a pie

• Forget the rolls

• Or accidentally nap through family photos…

You are still loved. You are still growing. You are still God’s man.

God’s love is not performance-based. You don’t lose salvation because the mashed potatoes were lumpy. Relax. Enjoy the day. Smile. Breathe.

You don’t need to be perfect to be purposeful. You don’t need to have it all figured out to be used by God. You don’t need to feel strong to be strong.

You just need to keep showing up!

God is proud of the man you are becoming. Your family is blessed because of your presence. Your faith matters more than you realize. This Thanksgiving…Give thanks not for the life you wish you had, but for the God who is shaping you in the one you do have.

⚔️ Call to Action

Before the day ends, pray this: “Lord, thank You that I am not alone.Thank You for the strength to keep going.Shape me into the man You created me to be.I trust You — even here.”

Happy Thanksgiving, brother. You are seen. You are valued. You are growing...and the best is still ahead.