As we approach Thanksgiving, I can almost see the table—filled to overflowing with roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and golden rolls fresh from the oven. Family and friends gather around, laughter echoing as stories are shared and hearts overflow with gratitude.
But maybe that’s not the picture you see when Thanksgiving comes to mind. For some, the holiday stirs tension—conversations that spark disagreement, memories that reopen wounds, or worries that cloud the moment. (Thanks, Dustin, for the reminder of what’s coming!) All joking aside, my goal isn’t to cause panic but to awaken you to this truth: what we focus on determines the atmosphere we live in.
Psalm 23:5 (NKJV) declares, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Notice that the preparation is before you, not behind you. Too often, we’re trying to move forward while staring in the rearview mirror of the past. Paul captured this in Philippians 3:13, “…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”
If we’re going to accomplish God’s mission, we must stop rehearsing yesterday and focus on the future He has already prepared.
The Table Is Already Set
Worry, anxiety, and fear gain strength from the thoughts we nurture and the words we speak. To break their hold, we must pause and recognize what God has already placed before us—everything we need, already prepared.
John 10:10 (NLT) reminds us: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” For true life to flourish, forgiveness must flow. Hebrews 9:22 says, “…without the shedding of blood there is no remission.”
When we fixate on our failures or inadequacies, we disqualify ourselves from the table. But when we accept His forgiveness—and extend it to others—we sit down with confidence, knowing the meal of grace is ours to enjoy.
You are not a wounded warrior fighting for victory; you are a redeemed soldier enforcing victory. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places—not because we’re perfect, but because He completed redemption.
You Belong at the Table
Don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise. Colossians 1:12 says, “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers…” Satan’s work is seen in loss, death, and destruction. He operates through distraction, deception, and division—forms of darkness designed to pull our eyes from the light of God’s Word. When we fixate on the bad report, the impossible circumstance, or the “how” of fixing it all, we shift our gaze from the One who’s already made provision.
God said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Yet through worry and striving, we sometimes push away from the table, trying to prepare a meal that’s already served.
Thanksgiving Is the Key
Gratitude repositions us. When thanksgiving fills our hearts and praise flows from our lips, we reclaim our seat. Thanksgiving silences confusion, diffuses complaint, and draws us closer to the presence of the Provider.
1 Corinthians 15:57 declares, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And 2 Corinthians 2:14 adds, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” No wonder the enemy wants to pull the chair out from under you—the table is set with victory and triumph in every area of life!
This Thanksgiving
No matter where this season finds you, remember: the table before you is complete and ready. It overflows with forgiveness, redemption, healing, provision, power, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. May your holiday season overflow with His abundance as you keep your eyes on the Life-Giver and Victory-Producer.