How was your Thanksgiving, and what determines whether it was good or not? Does it depend on having your favorite food during a meal, whether or not some people got to spend the day with you, or how many times you were reminded to, or did give thanks? There are likely a lot of ups and downs on Thanksgiving Day as any other day, but the one difference is the overriding theme of giving thanks. Maybe it was only stated during the blessing for your Turkey dinner, or maybe you shared or read what others were thankful for in social media posts, but is almost a given to be stated at some point. Is that feeling of gratitude more on that day because it is expected? Do you ever feel pressured to give thanks when you don’t feel like it, and do you do it anyway? Do you feel as thankful today as you did a couple days ago, and should you?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We read this verse and often ask, is it possible to do these things all the time? These may be times when we definitely feel frustrated, angry, sad, or resentful for different things that happen throughout any given day. Is it ok to not be thankful during these times? Or what about when bad things happen to us, when we mess up a project, lose a job, or when friends or family are sick or die, should we still try to give thanks at those times? I believe the answer is yes. We may not give thanks for those horrible things, but sometimes those things wake us up to the reality of how blessed we are in many other ways. I don’t believe there is a perfect life, or one where everything goes great and everyone caters to our wants and needs all the time, if that even be perfection, or super self-centered. Life is full of ups and downs and giving thanks helps us appreciate all of life. When we are thankful for the little things, the big things are a given. What are you most thankful for?
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20
As Christians, our joy is not in temporary, short term or even long term things that make us happy. Our joy is in our Lord Jesus and what he has already done for us! That alone should influence all the other ‘parts’ of our lives and bring about gratitude as a natural part of living life. Is that true in your life, and do you want it to be? You can start by just giving thanks for the things in your life that you appreciate the most, including salvation. From there, you just carry that attitude of gratitude with you as you encounter the day. Say thanks to others as you interact with them, and the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. And you truly become more thankful in all aspects of your life. A couple weeks ago I was led to read Psalm 100 and was struck by how simple and direct it was and how it encouraged me. May you be encouraged today and each day as well!
A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
Yours in Christ,
Clark
