The blog below was inspired by this episode of “What’s God Doing”
Are you excited for thanksgiving?
My pastor mentioned in a sermon recently that he is not a huge fan of the holiday, explaining that he didn’t think the act of thanks-giving should need a holiday, but should be celebrated year-round.
I think he’s right. I hear complaining a lot more then I hear thanksgiving, even for my own mouth. I think it is a good thing to practice and make into a habit and lifestyle. In fact, the Bible has a lot to say about thanksgiving:
Psalm 100:1 — Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Philippians4:4 — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I think we can do better at thanksgiving, so this is my challenge to you: pick a time in the day when you say and write down at least ten things you are thankful for.
I will give you some ideas…
- What was something that made you smile today?
- What part of God’s creation stuck out to you today as beautiful?
- Were you able to get to work on time or finish a project?
- Did God teach you something today?
- What part of God’s character were you able to see and experience today?
- Did you have time to spend with God today?
- Do you have people in your life to love?
- Did you sleep well?
- Did you eat something good today?
- Do you have relationship with God?
Whether they are simple or deep, it is all important. The more you act in thankfulness, the more you actually become thankful and the less you complain; you literally cannot be anxious at the same time as being thankful… it’s just not possible!
Please write in the comments some more verses on thankfulness, and maybe even share something you are thankful for. Don’t forget to watch the video as well!
