Thanksgiving day is rapidly approaching. My house is decorated, and I am beginning to make plans for the time with family. I look forward to the traditions and time we have.
Yet Biblically we are called to give thanksgiving. What does this mean? Thanksgiving is not only the act of giving thanks; it is being grateful and acknowledging the benefits or favor of God. It is linking our thanks with praise and worship for what God has done for us and continues to do on our behalf.
How often do we skip over acknowledging God for who He is and what He has done? God deserves our best, and so rarely does He get it. He deserves our praise and worship, and yet so many times we worship and praise the wrong things.
Instead of having a day of Thanksgiving, we as believers should have hearts of thanksgiving. Daily. We should make every effort to intentionally spend time praising, honoring, and giving thanks to the One who has given us His best. Even in the midst of our struggles and difficulties, God’s gift of Jesus constitutes a reason to give praise!
“Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100)
We have reason to give thanks to our God. May our mouths never stop singing His praise! May our hearts be filled to overflowing with gratitude for all He has done! May our minds be so consumed with thoughts of His character and goodness that all we have, all we are, and all we encounter daily are filtered through our thoughts of Him.
“You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.” (Psalm 92:4)
“Sing to the LORD; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.” (Psalm 96:2-3)
Thank you, God, for your goodness, your provision, your mercy, your hope, your forgiveness, and your love. All that I have, all that I am, and all my potential for the future is a gift from you. Thank you for giving, even when we don’t deserve it.
Blessings!