Today we celebrate “Thanksgiving”, which has its roots in a Christian tradition that goes all the way back to the Apostles and Jesus, Himself.
“And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks…” Matthew 14:19
Jesus modeled Thanksgiving at each meal by lifting His eyes toward Heaven and giving thanks to His Father.
As we enjoy the Feast of Thanksgiving with our family and friends, I’m reminded that the very food — even God’s exquisite creation in the form of a turkey — is given to us by our Heavenly Father as a gift to be received with Thanksgiving.
The apostle Paul reminds us that “every creature of God is good (and acceptable), and nothing is to be refused (or forbidden) if it is received with thanksgiving; because it is sanctified (made pure) by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4-5
And this spirit of thanksgiving goes beyond being stuffed with stuffing.
In Psalm 100:4-5, we are encouraged to: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”
But in the end, it is not only on this Feast of Thanksgiving, but in all things, we should have a grateful heart bursting with continual thanks to the Creator, our Savior and Lord, for the many things He has gifted us with… not the least of which is the gift of being brought back into relationship with Him, otherwise known as being forgiven and saved… the gift of eternal life!
Because a grateful person will always find many things to be thankful for, but a discontented person will remain blind to the blessings of God.
If you find yourself in a state of discontentment today, you can find a heart of Thanksgiving by drawing near to Jesus and learning from Him. Make today the start of a thankful future by following the Lord and living for Him. Confess your heart of discontentment and ask God to soften your heart. He is faithful and righteous to forgive you and cleanse you of all discontentment. He can give you a heart of gratitude that never runs dry… as long as you stay close to Him.
So let this day of Thanksgiving serve as a reminder to give thanks year round, just as Paul encourages: “In everything GIVE THANKS; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess 5:18
