Thankful

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Be thankful in all circumstances.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

Today is Thanksgiving Day. It is a time to be thankful, enjoy good food and fellowship, reflect on our lives, and contemplate the goodness of God. All across America, Americans are celebrating this cherished day. It is the day when families and friends gather to share meals and strengthen bonds of fellowship.

On Thanksgiving Day, we traditionally reflect on the numerous blessings that God has given us. When we express gratitude to God, we enrich our perspective on what it means to be thankful. It also allows us to acknowledge God’s manifold blessings openly.

In America, Thanksgiving Day is the official national day for giving thanks. However, being grateful should not be limited to this single day. We should be thankful for every day. People have always gathered to express their gratitude and share meals. For example, in Biblical times, members of the early church did this daily. The Scripture says, “They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple, followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved” (Acts 2:46-47 MSG).

Reasons We Should be Thankful to God

The Bible encourages us to be joyful in all circumstances. It also urges thankfulness because it is God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Thankfulness also involves worship. Through worship, we express our gratitude to God for His many blessings, including salvation. As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving Day, let us not forget to give thanks to God. Here are some reasons to express our gratitude to God for His many gifts this Thanksgiving Day.

• Life – God is the creator and giver of life. Be thankful for life itself.
• Love – Thank God for our expression of love, which is a reflection of His love for us (1 John 4:17-18 MSG).
• Salvation – Thank God for the gift and sacrifice of His Son and the promise of eternal life.
• Relationships – Be thankful for the blessings of loving family relationships and supportive friends.
• Second chances – Thank God for the realization that we serve a forgiving God who never tires of forgiving. He gives us second chances and more.
• Deliverance – Thank God for deliverance from the power of darkness.
• Protection – Be thankful that God protects us from both visible and invisible danger.
• Provision – Thank God for His provision. He provides all of our needs according to His riches in glory because of the sacrifice of Christ (Philippians 4:19-20 MSG)
• Peace – Thank God for His perfect peace that calms and sustains us in our greatest adversities.

If you haven’t taken time for reflection, today presents an excellent opportunity to appreciate your blessings. Let this and every day be a day of thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!