"For What Are You Thankful?"

By Patrick Morrison

It is that time of year again when our hearts and minds are turned to the thought of thanksgiving. We have opportunity to gather with friends and family to share a bountiful feast with those we love. We laugh, we reminisce, we may even shed tears for those who are no longer with us to celebrate this special time of year. Our nation has set aside this national day of remembrance and reflection. I am grateful that we live in a land wherein we take opportunity to count our blessings. Sadly, this may be the only time each year when many will stop to consider the abundance of things that they enjoy in this life. Many will not take opportunity to look to Him from whom all blessings flow (~James 1:17~). Maybe you have a practice in your family where you go around the dinner table and state those things for which you are thankful. Wouldn't it be great if we did this regularly? Wouldn't it be great if our children heard us talk consistently about the many ways in which we are blessed rather than hearing us gripe and complain about the problems we face? As we gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving Day, for what are we thankful?  Take this time today to count your blessings rather than your burdens. Enjoy the beauty of the flowers instead of noticing the weeds. Savor the moments of laughter and jocularity rather than being consumed with worry over trials and tribulations you may be facing (or may think you will be facing). What are some things for which we should be thankful?

We should be thankful for who God is and for what He does for us. (~1 Chronicles 29:11-13~). To Him belong greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty. All that is in the world belongs to Him (~Psalm 24:1~). The Almighty is exalted above all, for there is none like Him. God, and God alone, can raise us up or bring us low. He can open up the windows of heaven and pour out blessings until there is no more room to receive them (~Malachi 3:10~).

We should be thankful for the love and sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (~1 Corinthians 15:57~). It is through Jesus that we find deliverance from this body of sin and death (~Romans 7:24,25~). We are wretched, miserable sinners who deserve to die for our wickedness (~Romans 3:23~; ~Romans 6:23~). Yet, God, in His love and mercy, sent His Son to die for us (~Romans 5:6-8~). Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift (~2 Corinthians 9:15~)!

We should be thankful for the faithfulness and obedience of others who yield an influence in our lives. Paul never ceased to be thankful for the faith of his brethren throughout the world (~Ephesians 1:16~;  ~Colossians 1:3~; ~1 Thessalonians 1:9~). Where would we be if others who loved us and cared about us had not been obedient to the gospel? Where would we be if they had not lived faithful lives in service to their Lord? Let us make mention of these often in our prayers, giving thanks for their faith (~Romans 1:8~; ~1 Thessalonians 2:13~).

We should be thankful for the memories we have of our brethren and loved ones in the Lord. Paul stated, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" (~Philippians 1:3~). I am grateful that God created us with the ability to remember. Take the time to fill your heart with fond memories of you loved ones and brethren in the Lord who have molded your life in a positive way.

We should be thankful for trials. I know that most of the time we do not consider it a blessing to suffer, but trials and tribulations can make us stronger. We are instructed to count it all joy when trials come upon us (~James 1:2~). These tests that life will bring can develop within us an endurance that will end in our salvation (~Romans 5:1-4~).

May we as children of God live each day with gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts! "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (~Hebrews 13:15~). "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (~1 Thessalonians 5:18~).