From Edie: Discover why gratitude is essential for every Christian writer. Reflect on Psalm 107:1 and learn how thanksgiving renews creativity, strengthens faith, and brings clarity in every season of ministry.
Why Gratitude Matters for Every Christian Writer: Lessons from Psalm 107:1
by Kennita (Kay) Williams
“Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.”
Psalm 107:1 (NKJV)
November has a way of slowing us down.
While the world rushes toward the holidays, those who communicate the gospel: writers, speakers, podcasters, teachers, bloggers, and authors often feel the weight of finishing the year well. Deadlines still matter. Book proposals still wait. Podcast episodes need recording. Messages need polishing. Audiences need encouragement. And often, we are pouring out while running on empty.
Gratitude becomes more than a spiritual nicety; it becomes spiritual oxygen.
Not because ministry is always easy, but because the God who called us is always faithful.
Psalm 107:1 does not tell us to give thanks because the work is smooth or the journey is simple. It tells us to give thanks because He is good. His goodness is not seasonal, circumstantial, or dependent on how many people read, share, clap, subscribe, or buy what we create. The goodness of God stays unchanging through every high and low of ministry.
Gratitude is a ministry discipline.
To give thanks is not to pretend everything is easy, it is to acknowledge God as the source of everything we need.
As Christian communicators, we often encourage others to trust God while silently battling our own questions:
- Is my work making a difference?
- Is anyone listening?
- Did I hear God correctly?
- Why does this season feel so heavy?
But Scripture is not asking us to thank God only when it feels rewarding.
It reminds us: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Not for everything, but in everything.
We may not be thankful for the rejection, the slow seasons, the doors that did not open, or the content that did not go the way we hoped. But we can be thankful in it because God is working behind the scenes, shaping us into vessels that carry His heart with depth, humility, and power.
Gratitude clears our creative vision.
When discouragement clouds our thinking, gratitude restores clarity.
It turns:
- “My audience is small” into “God trusted me with this assignment.”
- “This is taking too long” into “God is preparing me for the next season.”
- “No one sees my work” into “The One who called me sees all.”
Gratitude shifts our eyes from the numbers to the One who notices sparrows.
From algorithms to anointing.
From striving to surrender.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today this very moment is a gift.
The words you write today, the prayer you whisper today, the obedience you choose today, God is using it.
Even if you do not see it yet.
Gratitude is spiritual warfare for the communicator.
The enemy uses discouragement to silence the voices God has anointed.
He loves to whisper:
- “You’re not good enough.”
- “That message doesn’t matter.”
- “Someone else can say it better.”
- “Why keep trying?”
But thanksgiving pushes back that darkness.
Every “Thank You, Lord” is a sword in the spirit.
Thank You, Lord, that You chose me.
Thank You, Lord, that Your Word never returns void.
Thank You, Lord, that none of this is wasted.
Thank You, Lord, that You complete what You begin.
Gratitude keeps our hearts tender when ministry tries to make them tired.
Gratitude is part of our witness.
People do not just listen to our words they watch our posture.
When others see us writing, speaking, and serving with a thankful heart:
- our peace becomes a message,
- our joy becomes an invitation,
- our perseverance becomes a testimony.
Thanksgiving is contagious.
A thankful communicator inspires thankful readers.
A grateful leader strengthens weary followers.
A joyful creative points people back to Jesus.
A Challenge for Every Communicator
This month, before you write another chapter, record another episode, prepare another message, or hit “publish,” pause long enough to notice the goodness of God around you.
Try this for 7 days:
- List three blessings before you begin your work each morning.
- End your day thanking God for one moment you saw His hand.
- Whisper, “Lord, thank You for trusting me with this calling.”
Watch what happens.
Gratitude will soften pressure.
It will quiet comparison.
It will revive joy.
It will refocus your heart on the privilege of being a messenger of God’s truth.
The Invitation
Psalm 100:4 says:
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name.”
Thanksgiving is how we enter.
Not perfection.
Not performance.
Not popularity.
Just gratitude.
So as you step into November, remember:
God has been good.
God is still good.
God will continue to be good.
Let your writing, your speaking, your creating, and your daily walk reflect that goodness.
Not because every moment is easy, but because a faithful God holds every moment.
Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
Amen.
TWEETABLE
Dr. Kennita Williams is a visionary leadership coach, author, and founder of Clear Vision Consulting. With a passion for helping leaders overcome fear, lead with clarity, and live whole, healthy, and healed, she equips others to write, speak, and lead from a place of faith and obedience. She is the author of multiple devotionals and leadership tools and serves as a monthly contributor to The Write Conversation. Contact: drkay@clearvisionleader.com www.clearvisionleader.com
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