We happen upon the one day each year that we are reminded to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It’s fairly easy to do, really, as most of us will get to gather with friends and family to sit around a big spread of food to eat a bit more than we should and then sit around and snooze in front of the television afterward, or some version of that. A selected family member gets to give a blessing of thanks before the meal and maybe we all are just a bit more grateful than normal for this day and the privileges we enjoy. Do you feel more grateful for all that you have been blessed with, or do we take a closer look at our lives on this day and despite our current situation, still recognize all the little things that we often take for granted? Hopefully!
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
If you are a Christian, hopefully giving thanks is a regular practice in your life. When we ask our children to say grace before a meal, they usually list off a few things in their lives for which they are thankful for, but also closely mimics what dad says. I believe they are genuinely grateful for these things, but it does not always carry over long, as they may be getting upset at a sibling within a few minutes over a petty thing, which may also be similar to what dad does sometimes. We may also not feel like giving thanks in all circumstances, when those situations are not good, but those are the times when it is most important to give thanks. When things don’t always go our way, and they don’t, it is then we should consider all the blessings in our lives, which help us realize that our wretched condition is not as bad as we originally thought. In face, when we look at our problems in comparison to the hope of glory in Christ, everything else seems to be somewhat frivolous. May we be eternally grateful today and always for the great give of God we have in our Lord and Savior!
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
