“More than a Holiday- Thanksgiving”
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
If you’re like many Canadians, you’re going to get together this long weekend to
share a great feast. The tradition dates back centuries when a group of pilgrims
celebrated their harvest after an enduring drought. Regardless of whether it’s on the
same day each year, specific time is set aside to commemorate what they were so
gracious to receive.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica. He clears up
misunderstandings about Christ’s return, and also gives instructions for holy living.
Within his address, he tells them to “Give thanks in all circumstances”. This
admonition indicates that there is never a time we should stop giving thanks. Our
time of giving thanks is to be continual – in the good times and the bad. We need not
wait for a holiday to motivate us or remind us to do so.
To be able to give thanks in all circumstances, the posture of our hearts must be one
of gratitude. That means, you don’t wait until your desired outcome comes to pass
before giving thanks to the God of gods. There is always something to be grateful
for, and taking the time to acknowledge this will culminate in your personal
thanksgiving. Moreover, giving thanks in all circumstances will cause you to realize
the extent of how blessed and privileged you are. Though you might have been able
to accomplish some great things, there will always be gifts we have been given that
we could never earn. As daily recipients of God’s love, grace and mercy, we can
endlessly testify about His faithfulness towards us.
When we give thanks, we render ourselves aware of who God is and identify His
presence in every situation. We humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging that
everything we have comes from Him. Like David, we ought to concede that:
“Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your
hand (1 Chronicles 29:14).” We ought to always go back to God, because He is our
source for life, health, strength and every blessing under the sun. As a result, we
ought to respond to His faithfulness with active thanksgiving and worship. Though it
may cost us our time and effort, we know that it is worth it and that ultimately, we can
never outgive our gracious God. For the believer, Thanksgiving is more than just a
holiday, it’s a lifestyle.
Reflection
Is there anything you forgot to give God thanks for? How will your Thanksgiving be
different from this point on?
Prayer
Father God, thank You. Thank You for everything. Thank You God for life. I could go
on and on with my thanksgiving. I know I can never outgive You Lord, so with all that
I am, I want to say thank You.
Written by Deborah Nimoh
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