Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving, my all-time favorite seasonal holiday. I realize I am in the minority here with Christmas ranking number one as the most treasured and anticipated time of the year. Yet somehow for me, I enjoy the slower pace of Thanksgiving, with the only emphasis being that of gathering with loved ones and sharing a festive meal. Additionally, I also treasure the focus of this celebration being that of gratitude.
As I considered this, I realized that the majority of thanks offered are for things, primarily relationships, followed by health, provision and favorable circumstances. Admittedly, these are each valid and worthy motivators for thanks. At the same time I understand how easily things can become the object of our gratitude in the place of God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
(see 1 Timothy 6:17)
To be clear, I’m certainly not advocating a religious, or legalistic formula for offering thanks, but I am suggesting that keeping God in the gratitude equation helps in maintaining a humble position before Him, and proper perspective in regards to the reason and motivation for thanksgiving.
In my personal endeavor to stimulate mindfulness toward gratitude, I turned to scripture and began reading some of the many verses that reference thanks. This was actually incredibly telling as through this process I was awakened to the overwhelming number of references in direct connection to The Lord…
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)
Honestly It’s not like I wasn’t already aware of this, but the reality of this truth spoke volumes to my heart reminding me afresh and anew that God alone is the object of, and sole reason for gratitude.
Additionally, I found it quite interesting that of the two recorded times in scripture that Jesus openly expressed thanks, neither of these accounts mention his thanks being in reference to His well-being. Rather His gratitude was in response to the revelation of God’s Word to others, and the intimate relationship He shared with His Father.
…Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;”
Matthew 11:25 (ESV)
And Jesus… said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”
John 11:41 (ESV)
And I would be remiss in not including the all-time inspiring account of the joy filled apostles following a severe beating for speaking in the Name of Jesus the Messiah…
…they (the apostles), left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”
Acts 5:41 (ESV)
Can you seriously even imagine this scenario? Every time I read this narrative I am personally challenged to rethink my perspective on, and motivation for gratitude.
In closing, I am newly inspired to reflect upon the multitude of reasons I have to be thankful, and not simply for things, but more critically to the Lord. Additionally, I am committed to offer thanks to God in all things, in recognition that He is sovereign over my life, and worthy of thanks in every circumstance.
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
God bless you friends!
May the love of Jesus fill your hearts and your homes as you celebrate the goodness of God throughout the holiday season!
Extend grace to others! If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes For You (www.gracenotesforyou.com) with a friend.
For Reflection:
- Make a list of the top five reasons you are grateful and offer thanks to God for each items you listed.
- Consider the priceless, non-tangible gifts, such as grace, love, mercy and forgiveness that God has graced you with. Respond with a prayer of thanks to the Lord.
- “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1 (ESV)
Revealed in this verse are two primary reasons for gratitude: First, God is good, and next His steadfast love endures forever. In response to this exhortative word, lift up your thanks to the Lord!
