Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100 A Psalm for Thanksgiving
It’s the Holiday Season… Yes. Here it comes. The perfect chill in the air lately has really contributed to the excitement of the season we are entering. Christmas is coming, but Thanksgiving is first. I feel like Thanksgiving is somewhat downplayed by the excitement of the upcoming Christmas holiday. This year I am determined to embrace every little nuance of this season. I am older, and honestly, Thanksgiving and Christmas mean something different to me now. My kids are grown but there still remains a little bit of magic around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – and Thanksgiving? Well, it is all about family, and reflecting on all God’s amazing blessings. It is the time of year that we get to spend the most time with extended family and every year I cherish them, and our time together even more. Also, I feel so much more gratitude to my Savior every day, not just Thanksgiving. So, maybe it is a week early to focus on Thanksgiving, but it is never too early to think about all God has done for us. There are many fears and much sadness in the world today, but there is so much we can be grateful for.
Remember Thank You?With the culture as it is today comes a disturbing lack of gratitude in all areas, to other people, and to God. People today believe that they deserve everything they can get and more. It’s called entitlement and it is running rampant, not just with the Millennials (they always get a bad rap), but with everyone. Part of it is the busyness that has become a normal part of life. We are so consumed with all we have to do and running from one place to another, we forget our manners. We plead and beg with God in the middle of a crisis, but do we remember to say Thank Youwhen He sees us through? Do we take for granted everything He has done for us? Yes, and Yes. It is easy to see what makes us unhappy and want to complain and overlook the sovereignty and provision of God in our lives. God is the source of wisdom and all things good in our lives. Without Him, we wouldn’t have them! An attitude of gratitude reminds us of God’s everyday provision for our lives.
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, it is a way to live. As we head into Thanksgiving next week, remember to show gratitude to those around you, family, friends, those in the service industry, the stranger who holds the door for you, the delivery man who brings you a package, and so many others. Gratefulness will bring joy to you and to them. Take your eyes off of yourself for a while and focus on others. Focus on God and His lovingkindness and everlasting faithfulness to all.
Scripture to Claim:
In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
1 Thessalonians 5:18
