Thanksgiving. The holiday seems to come in quickly,once a year, whether we are ready for it or not. The Halloween hype ends, and people start to think towards Christmas, somewhat overlooking Thanksgiving. Well, I don't want us to overlook Thanksgiving. I believe it is another important holiday, the spirit of which we should practice daily, all through the year.
Definitions include: "glad that something has happened or hasn't happened; aware and appreciative of some benefit received; expressive of gratitude; obliged: in someone's debt." I like that last one, as it relates to Jesus, our Savior. Let's look at some verses that capture some of the elements of Thanksgiving...
The Stimulus: 1John 4:9-11. "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." This is the foundational inspiration for true thankfulness. We are obliged to respond. We are in His debt for providing The Way to salvation. The almighty God of the universe loves us! He is good and is trustworthy. We can afford to be thankful and love Him in return.
The Response: 2 Cor. 9:15. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!". What a gift indeed! This is truly what all those Christmas gifts under our tree represent: God's amazing gift of His Son for us. Thank you, Lord. We owe our lives to You for that.
God's will: 1 Thes. 5: 16-19. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." These are instructions, meant to be taken as commands for the disciple that is living for God. It only makes sense if we continually participate in the transaction of offering ourselves up to God as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). We admit, "Lord, I offer myself to You. I trust You with my life. I can afford to be joyful in any situation. I feel compelled to communicate with You about everything. You are my foundation for thankfulness. I am content in You." Everyone tends to fret about what God's will is for their lives. Well, this is it. Do these things today. Then, do them again tomorrow.
The Way: Phil. 4: 4-9. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." This is the right way to live. These attributes are impossible to express without the supernatural miracle of the Holy Spirit's influence in our lives. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will make all these things possible. He provides the Way to the best life possible.
Praise and Worship: Ps. 95:1-3. "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord: let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Give Him credit as the one true God! Praise Him! Don't forget what He looks like in glory today. Check out Rev 1:12-16 and Eze. 1:26-28 to get a mental picture of who is hearing your prayers, the One who is for us, the One who is the most powerful force is the universe, the One who wins, and the One worthy of receiving our praise. He doesn't look like the meek, timid soul portrayed on so many canvases we see today. No, He looks like fire and shines like the sun in brilliant light. Ah, yeah. Praise You, Jesus.
Relationships and the Church: Col. 3: 15-17. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Thanksgiving is an integral part of who we are and how we relate to each other. Don't overlook it and move away from Thanksgiving too quickly. Keep the spirit of the holiday alive throughout the year.
