I remember sitting at the Thanksgiving table as everyone looked down at their plates, wishing they were eating mashed potatoes and gravy rather than participating in a rote exercise of "sharing one thing we are grateful for this year."

It's a well-meaning practice but it often feels forced and inauthentic.

The problem? Gratitude can't be created through sheer willpower, only received as a gift. It's inherent to the nature of gratitude.

If you won't be serving vegetarian turkey, then why ask everyone to contribute fake gratitude?

Gratitude is a virtue we experience indirectly; it starts by looking at the goodness beyond ourselves. Have you ever seen two mirrors facing each other, reflecting into infinity? Genuine gratitude builds on itself in the same way, multiplying our joy beyond measure.

So, if we can't approach gratitude directly, how can we experience authentic gratitude?

Psalm 136 lets us sit at the feet of a seasoned saint who is fluent in the language of heartfelt thanksgiving.

The psalmist opens and closes with enthusiastic praise to God. In verse 1 we read:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His faithful love endures forever.

And at the end, in verse 26,

Give thanks to the God of heaven!

His faithful love endures forever.

Sandwiched between is the Psalmist’s overflowing recognition of God's goodness and unfailing love shown throughout history - in Creation, salvation, and the ongoing restoration of his people.

If we read it slowly enough, the refrain starts to echo in our own hearts: "His faithful love endures forever."

Manufactured gratitude leaves a poor taste in the mouth.

But the real thing? It's sweeter than a homemade Southern biscuit with local Georgia honey.

This Thanksgiving, don't think about being grateful.

Instead, direct your attention to God and his goodness - as your Friend, your Creator, and your Savior.

As you take stock of God's love, goodness, and provision, heartfelt gratitude will overflow from your heart.

We won't be able to stop telling people, "God's been so good to me, I cannot, cannot tell it all."

And as you start your Thanksgiving meal, Psalm 136:25-26 is a great appetizer:

He gives food to every creature. His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven! His faithful love endures forever.

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