Morning Meditation: Reflecting on the Goodness of God this Thanksgiving

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

It’s Thanksgiving and so I pause to consider its deeper spiritual significance. This sacred season is more than a gathering around a table; it’s an invitation to reflect on God’s goodness, to remember His faithfulness in every season, and to offer true gratitude from the heart. Today’s world is filled with noise and distraction, so Thanksgiving draws us back to the simple yet profound act of giving thanks—not just for blessings seen, but for the unseen mercies that carry us through every storm.

Personally, I have to be thankful. I have to be grateful. I have to reflect on the goodness of God this Thanksgiving. I remember years ago kneeling in the quiet of my room, the soft glow of morning light spilling across the floor. The air sometimes heavy with worry, sometimes humming with hope, I would whisper prayers through tears, feeling the comfort of God’s presence wrap around me like a warm blanket.

There were times when I was blinded to the storms around me, when thunder rattled the windows and fear threatened to take hold. There were moments when the silence after pain felt almost sacred, a gentle assurance that I was not alone.

Reflecting on the Challenges of Life

When I look back over my life and think about all that I have been through—when I reflect on where I am coming from and how people have treated me—if I did not give thanks to God, I would be very ungrateful. My life has not been a bed of roses. It has been filled with pain, poverty, and piety. There have been moments of embarrassment, abuse, abandonment, and disappointment.

How I Faced Health Challenges

As I got older, it became a constant struggle with sickness; just one challenge after the next. Each season brought its own trials, but also fresh evidence of God’s sustaining hand.

Pain and Illness: When doctors had to take out my tonsils because of ear infections and sinus issues.
Childhood Threats: When my kidneys nearly failed as a child and I was rushed to the hospital.
Injuries and Loss: When I tore a ligament in my ankle in 9th grade, and when I lost pregnancies, feeling the ache of dreams unfulfilled.
Chronic Battles: When I later developed fibroids, launching a 20-year crusade, and when I endured pain so intense it felt like a storm inside my body.

But God never forsook me. God never left me alone. God kept me, He never let go. His presence was always with me – quiet, steady, often felt the strongest in the darkest hours. This Christian life is not an easy journey, but I am thankful because it was Yahweh who took me through every experience.

In the same way that the woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd, believing that just a touch of Jesus’ garment would bring healing, I too have held onto faith in my darkest moments. Despite years of suffering, she did not give up, and her persistence was rewarded when Jesus turned to her and said:

“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34, NKJV).

This story reminds me that even when hope seems distant, God’s compassion and power are always within reach for those who trust in Him.

How I Dealt with People Issues

Since I was a youngster, I received favor wherever I worked and then, someone would rise like Judas to try to tear me down. But it was God who defended me when others tried to tarnish my reputation. And so, the cycle would repeat, and I never understood it then, people would rise up against me. So, I questioned God, and I try to live peaceably with all men. But repeatedly, those who I thought were friends or friendly would abandon me, betray me, steal from me, or malign me.

This caused a deep root of distrust to grow. It’s a challenge especially when you have a heart for serving people and giving. These experiences restrict the will to give or help freely.

Because there are those who came into my life only to take what they could get. They use of my gifts to propel themselves to a higher level, or to simply sustain themselves for a while. From the billionaire to the destitute, they all took so much and never gave back anything. But what can one do when you are called to serve? Hide? No!

More like pray and pray fervently. And trust and hold tightly to God.

Yet, even in these moments of deep hurt and confusion, I found comfort in Scriptures like Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This promise reassured me that no matter how people acted toward me, God was always orchestrating my life for a greater good. The sting of betrayal often left me feeling isolated, but God reminded me repeatedly that His love and faithfulness never wavered.

His Word assures us in Psalm 34:18:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

No matter how many times I have been let down by others in my Christian life, I find comfort in knowing that God sees my pain and strengthens me to keep serving with a willing heart.

So, I press on, encouraged by His promises, and choosing to trust Him with my Christian journey. You too take heart, for with God, every season of hardship is also an opportunity for growth and deeper faith.

How I Dealt with Lack of Resources

Growing up, we did not have a lot. I was not aware of that for much of my youth, because I always had the basic necessities. But my parents split, poverty began to stare us in the face. I have moved no less than a dozen times in my youth. I could not afford university though I was accepted. But God worked it out that I received two scholarships eventually.

Ten years later, when the recession hit, I lost my job, income, and home. People stole my possessions from storage. My ‘friend’ then stole most of what was left when she promised to help get them back to me. I had to move back in with my mom. We lived in the ghetto and that was a seven-year journey through the valley of the shadow of death. The struggle was real. The cupboards were bare. There was no money. No food. Minimum resources which had to be stretched. No help from anyone but God and the charity organization, Food for the Poor.

Overall, all Glory to God. Because it was God who fed me when I thought I would have no provisions. God who later provided a job. God has always kept a roof up above me, a place to sleep, food on the table and shoes on my feet.

When the times were rough and I felt like something or someone was keeping me down, he would lift my spirits up. Also, Yahweh at times would bring this song to my heart.

Song: Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings

Chorus
There’s a roof up above me
I’ve a good place to sleep
There’s food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me

How God Has Blessed Me

Now I lead a different life in a different place. Now I have a home. Now I have some food in my pantry. Now I have enough clothes in the closet and shoes as well. I have a job, and I serve through the Revealing the Christian Life Ministry. All is not perfect, but God never promised that it would be. He simply promised that He would be there to carry us through the struggles in our Christian life.

Reflecting on the Goodness of God

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that every hardship was met with God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. The times when resources were scarce, when I faced closed doors and uncertainty, God was there—guiding, sustaining, and opening new pathways that I could not have imagined. Even now, looking back at the valleys and the shadows, I see that it was in those moments of trial that His presence was most real. The evidence of His provision is undeniable: every meal, every shelter, every moment of peace amid the storm stands as a testimony to His care and compassion.

Scripture reminds us that the life of faith is not one free of opposition or struggle. In Jeremiah 1:19, God assures His servant:

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.”

These words resonate deeply for anyone who has felt surrounded by adversity. The assurance is not that challenges will disappear, but that we do not have to face them alone. God’s promise is to deliver, to protect, and to uphold us—even when the odds seem stacked against us.

This promise is alive for each of us. When discouragement threatens to take root—when you feel that the world is fighting against your hope, your peace, your faith—remember that God stands with you. He is not distant or indifferent. He is present and powerful. As He has done for me, He will do for you: making a way, providing what you need, and lifting your heart above fear and despair.

Be Thankful

Let gratitude rise in your spirit, even in the midst of uncertainty. Thank God for what He has already done and for what He is preparing to do. Thanksgiving is not just a response to blessings seen, but a declaration of trust in His faithfulness.

Each day, we can choose to see the roof over our heads, the food on our table, and the love in our lives as gifts from a gracious Father. Let us not take these for granted but honor Him with grateful hearts and hopeful spirits.

Be Encouraged

Be encouraged today. No matter where you find yourself in your Christian life, whether in seasons of plenty or in times of need, God is at work. He is your Deliverer, your Provider, and your Sustainer. He knows your name and your circumstance, and He has not forgotten you. Stand firm in the knowledge that those who fight against you will not prevail, because the Lord Himself fights for you. Let your life be a melody of thanksgiving, shaped by trust in the One who never fails.

As you go forth, remember the lessons of the past: the faithfulness of God in times of lack, the song of thanksgiving in the night, and the encouragement that comes from knowing He is always near. May your journey be filled with gratitude, and may you always find strength and hope in the unwavering presence of God.

Be encouraged, the same God who has carried you this far will continue to lead, provide, and deliver you. All glory to Him, now and forever. Amen.

Reflection exercise:

Through every season, painful or joyful, I am learning to cultivate a heart of gratitude. I invite you to pause and consider the blessings in your own life.

Take a moment to thank God for His guidance, protection, and steadfast presence, even when the storms rage around you.
Count your blessings.
Draw nearer to the One who holds you through it all, through prayer and meditation.

I hope you find this word a blessing and that the Word of God works effectively in your life.

Be encouraged and stay blessed.

The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look and think about your life. Is God calling you to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step? How can you trust that he will help you to take the next step?

Be encouraged.

Be bold. Answer the Call.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

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And remember, be encouraged.

About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission. She shares her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in ministry outreach. She also engages in Christian mentorship and ministering the Word of God.