Being Thankful: A Reflection of Thanksgiving
In the approach to Thanksgiving, it is a great time to consider the invaluable importance of gratitude in our lives. For Christians, Thanksgiving isn’t just feasting time but an occasion to remember and be thankful to God for His countless blessings. The Bible contains verses that speak to us on thankfulness and to develop our hearts in gratitude under all circumstances.
Gratitude is a central theme that forms part of the Christian faith. In this regard, the Apostle Paul says: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ We are called to lives of thanksgiving in whatever and whenever. It changes our focus from our problems to His provision, from the negative to the positive—the ability to see His hand at work in our lives.
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to feel the blessings of the Lord and give thanks. And one reflects upon the Word from Psalm 100:4-5, ‘Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.’ Now we gather with family and friends on this special day. Let us have a time to think of that faithful God who has held us up with His unending love.
Being thankful is not only about our relationship with God but also about how we treat others. Colossians 3:15-17 ‘And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ We should always give thanks and encourage other brothers, building up the body of Christ in unity and love.
It is easy to be grateful when the sea of life is running evenly, but true gratitude is a product of hardship. James 1:2-4 says, ‘Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds; for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.’ Through times of difficulty, gratitude transitions to become a faith-action of trust: God works everything for good.
A thankful heart does not happen automatically, but it’s a behavior to be developed intentionally. Below are some practical ways by which we can inculcate gratitude:
1. Daily Reflection: Find some time each day to reflect on God’s goodness. Keep a journal and jot down things—specific to your life—for which you are grateful.
2. Prayer and Worship: Make gratitude part of your prayer life. Thank Him for His love, mercies, and the specific ways He provides for you.
3. Pay It Forward: Pass thankfulness on by serving others. Look for ways to bless those around you with kindness and giving.
4. Thanksgiving Traditions: Create some family traditions of giving thanks, such as thanking at the dinner table for what someone is thankful for, writing thank-you notes for someone’s impact in your life, etc.
Let us be people of thanksgiving this Thanksgiving—not for a day, but for a lifetime as a reality of life. When we give thanks continually, we honor God and recognize His sovereignty in our lives. For, as it goes in Psalm 9:1: ‘I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.’
Let your Thanksgiving overflow with joy and love for the many blessings God has given you.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.