Wherever you are today—whether you’re gathering for a Thanksgiving feast or going about your business as usual, whether you feel inundated with blessings or have endured a year full of trials—there’s no act more fulfilling than simply praising God.

This year, like most, has seen its share of tragedy and misfortune—the Paris attacks, the ongoing refugee crisis in the Middle East, and plenty of other events. And your own personal life has no doubt seen its share of ups and downs, major and minor, in the last twelve months. But God’s Word challenges us to embrace a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness even admist trials and setbacks. So this weekend, whether you’re alone or surrounded by friends, overflowing with joy or weighed down with sorrow, take a few moments to give thanks to the God who loves and watches over you.

Can you join with the author of these two psalms in praising God?

Psalm 100

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has 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 to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. — Psalm 100 (NKJV)

Psalm 111

Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart
in the meeting of his good people.
The Lord does great things;
those who enjoy them seek them.
What he does is glorious and splendid,
and his goodness continues forever.
His miracles are unforgettable.
The Lord is kind and merciful.
He gives food to those who fear him.
He remembers his agreement forever.
He has shown his people his power
when he gave them the lands of other nations.
Everything he does is good and fair;
all his orders can be trusted.
They will continue forever.
They were made true and right.
He sets his people free.
He made his agreement everlasting.
He is holy and wonderful.
Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord;
those who obey his orders have good understanding.
He should be praised forever. — Psalm 111 (NCV)

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Bible Gateway!