Every day is Thanksgiving
First of all, a joyful Thanksgiving to you and yours. We are enjoying the day with family, here in the USA. (We arrived a few weeks ago.) Last week, all our children and their families gathered together for a special time. We’ve enjoyed food, rest, and recreation together.
At time same time, I belong to the class of people who regard all days alike, Romans 14.5. As much as I appreciate the history behind the American Thanksgiving and as much as I enjoy all the advantages of the holiday, I’ve worked at making every day one of giving thanks.
“So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent; O Lord my God, I will always give thanks to you” Psalm 30.12.
“In God we boast all day long, and we will continually give thanks to your name” Psalm 44.8.
“Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5.18 CEB.
Lack of gratitude was a major reason for Israel’s fall in the desert. Among Israel’s sins, said Paul, was complaining. “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel” 1 Corinthians 10.10. God saved them and cared for them, but they forgot God, Psalm 106.
Israel’s sins, and ours, may be grouped into the 4 I’s: idolatry, immorality, injustice, and ingratitude. Ingratitude seems like a small thing compared to the others, but it is not. It lies at the heart of submission to the will of God.
The daily exercise of counting one’s blessings saves us from dissatisfaction, resentment, bitterness, and covetousness. It feeds joy, contentment, and satisfaction.
Today, among the things I’m thankful for are:
- the opportunity to write and publish articles on the internet here at forthright.net;
- our talented columnists and writers who contribute, each according to their possibilities;
- our readers who engage with us through several channels and encourage us with their feedback;
- our partners in prayer and support who make this project possible, as well as many others;
- the privilege of participating in the work of God to save the lost and edify the saints.
Life in Christ means every day is one of thanksgiving. For the Lord blesses us again and again. His mercies are renewed every morning. Daily does he cleanse from sin and strengthen us for our service to God.
We have the loving and powerful God to thank. When we thank him, he is glorified.
Your gifts meet the needs of the Lord’s people. And that’s not all. Your gifts also cause many people to thank God. You have shown yourselves to be worthy by what you have given. So other people will praise God because you obey him. That proves that you really believe the good news about Christ. They will also praise God because you share freely with them and with everyone else. 2 Corinthians 9.12-13 NIRV.
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