America finds hope and healing this Thanksgiving amidst Trump's inauguration preparations.

Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, has a message for Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season as President-elect Donald Trump assembles his new Cabinet.

Jeffress stated in an exclusive on-camera video to Planet Chronicle Digital that the election was very contentious. (See the video at the top of this article.)

The faith leader, who is well-known across the country, stated that despite the contentious elections throughout history, there is now a desire among both sides of the aisle to come together and achieve something positive for the country, following President Trump's re-election.

Jeffress stated that he felt a positive vibe from President Trump.

"A few days ago, I spoke with him, and it's clear he's fully committed to his campaign promises."

He is very optimistic about the future of the country.

I don't believe that if Trump is elected, he will establish a dystopian theocracy that will oppress people, as some people worry or have heard.

"I've known the president for 10 years and believe he can overcome political differences to work for the greater good of America. I hope all Americans will support him in his efforts to fulfill his promises."

"That's the key to having that heart of gratitude — finding the good things to concentrate on."

Will Jeffress formally advise Trump on faith or prayer matters as the new administration prepares to take office?

In 2016, the pastor responded to the president's campaign creating a spiritual advisers committee. After winning the election, the committee evolved into a more informal group that conversed with the president at his request.

I've known President Trump for 10 years and we've been friends. We stay in frequent contact either through text or phone calls.

He expressed his anticipation for the friendship to endure for several years.

In his Thanksgiving message, the pastor emphasized that God's message from Scripture is for all to give thanks in everything. This is found in I Thessalonians 5:18, where Paul wrote, "In everything we should give thanks."

Abraham Lincoln issued the first proclamation for Thanksgiving in 1863, during the Civil War when the nation was being torn apart.

"Lincoln stated, "We should be grateful for certain things." The secret to cultivating a heart of gratitude lies in focusing on the positive aspects."

Despite the tense and divisive nature of the recent election season, the pastor emphasized the importance of being grateful for the opportunity to select our leaders.

No doubt, he acknowledged that many families are facing economic hardships.

"Despite this, the average family of four earning $50,000 annually is wealthier than 89% of the global population."

"Most of the time, hurricanes and floods are exceptions," he said.

"While there are numerous things to be grateful for, some individuals may express to me, 'Pastor, I struggle to feel thankful.' However, I have discovered that it is more manageable to perform actions that reflect gratitude than to wait for feelings to arise."

He added, "The reason this holiday is called Thanksgiving is not because of thanks-feeling."

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God is in control of everything that happens, and we can trust in that. Christians should remember that the Bible teaches that government's responsibility is to leave us alone as we practice our faith.

"God is in control of everything that happens, and we can trust in that."

Through government, we cannot achieve spiritual transformation. It is not the government's role or capacity to transform people's hearts. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can accomplish this, and it is something we must practice.

Jeffress is a senior pastor of a 16,000-member church in Dallas and a Planet Chronicle contributor.

Over 1,400 radio stations across the country broadcast his daily program, "Pathway to Victory."

His weekly TV show is viewed in 195 countries globally, including Fox Nation.

He is the author of nearly 30 books.

Both Sydney Borchers and Brooke Singman of Planet Chronicle Digital provided reporting.