Two
years ago on Thanksgiving Day as I was thinking about what I would pray over
our dinner it struck me that having a day once a year to be thankful was really
a bad idea. The implication is that we can stop once a year and prepare a meal,
gather with family, say a prayer of thanksgiving , eat, and then watch football
and we are good to go. As a Christian I committed myself to making everyday
Thanksgiving Day. Oh, I skip the particulars of that day we all gather on in
November, but every day I try and remember to spend as much time as I can
thanking God.
The
Bible is full of instructions to be thankful. Psalm 95 is just one of many that
teach us about being thankful. Note what verse 2 says, “Let
us come into his presence with thanksgiving…” We should not ever come to God in
prayer without doing it with a spirit of thankfulness.
As Christians we should seek
maturity in our faith. Part of that maturity must involve a change in how we perceive
trials and storms. Many times it is only in these times in which we take time
to pray. While we need to follow the guidance of scripture and pray always
without ceasing as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands, we must also grow into a
people that are thankful despite our current situation. Thankfulness must
become a permanent aspect of our lives.
Philippians 4:5-6 provides the answer as to how to not only
be thankful, but how to rid yourself of the anxiety of life that holds us back.
Hear the Word of God in this great scripture reading. “Let your
reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.”
Typically we don’t quote verse 5
when we think of that verse. But it is key as it says “The Lord is at hand.”
That means we can chill out. God has this; all of it. The Lord is at hand and
because He is we do not need to be anxious about one single thing. When we let
God be God and recognize He is really in control even when we don’t think so
then something special happens. Philippians
4:7, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This sets us free and allows us to
be thankful no matter what is going on around us.
There is so much to be thankful for.
Take time each day to think of all the great things God provides you. Even if
you have absolutely nothing today, if you are a Christian you have a hope in an
eternity where everything will be perfect. You have salvation in Christ that is
not dependent on your efforts and performance but is based on the blood of
Christ shed willingly for you at Calvary.
Make today and every day
Thanksgiving Day. If you are looking for what God’s will is for your start
there for that is exactly what God’s will is as spelled out in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 saying, “Rejoice
always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
God bless all of you reading this.
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