Thanksgiving

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

The

Heart

Acknowledges
					
Numerous

Kindnesses
						
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God

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Various ways
					
Invoking
					
Never-ending

Gratefulness

Our country is celebrating Thanksgiving this week. It’s a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Last year my pastor challenged his congregation to write down 3 different things every day that we are thankful for during the month of November. It was part of a list of things we can do when we are disappointed. When we focus on our blessings rather than our misfortunes, it changes our attitude. At first it was easy to think of 3 different things each day. But, then it got harder because I didn’t want to repeat anything. I realized not every thing I list has to be monumental. So I started thinking about things I’m grateful for that make my life easier-like a washing machine, and things that bring a smile to my face-like a beautiful sunset. A year later, I’m still making that list every day. As I looked over this list of blessings, it helped put this past year in perspective. Despite the difficulties we’ve all faced due to the pandemic, there are numerous things we can be thankful for each and every day! (This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 11:24)

Thanksgiving is about remembering. It’s fun to retell family stories, especially at big gatherings like Thanksgiving. It connects us to our past and to those no longer with us, and reminds us of the love our family has for each other through the years, as well as God’s blessings through those stories. Scripture reminds us to retell those stories. (Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you. Deuteronomy 32:7) Sometimes when our present circumstances are out of control, we forget to remember. A day set aside to be thankful helps us to remember.

Expressing our thankfulness is a witness to others of God’s goodness. When I tell others how grateful I am to God for something He’s done specifically, they see God’s goodness, too. It sets up a chain reaction as they remember God’s goodness in their own life. What joy it is to God’s ears to hear His people sing His praises! (In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever. Psalm 44:8)

When you make your list of foods for this week’s thanksgiving feast, why not make another list of your thanksgiving blessings. Share it with those sitting around your Thanksgiving table, then ask them to share their own thanksgiving blessings. (And on that day, you will say, “Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the LORD in song, for He has done glorious things; let this be known throughout the earth. Isaiah 12:4-5) What joy shall fill your hearts as you share in each other’s blessings!

Lord, thank you for the many blessings, big and small, you’ve bestowed on me and my family. May thanksgiving be ever on our lips as we celebrate all you’ve done for us. Amen