“A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart.” – Charles Finney
As we approach another Thanksgiving holiday, let’s be mindful of all we have beyond the material blessings. Looking past the consumerism of things, the food and frivolity, let’s turn our attention to the greatest reason for our thankfulness. If you’ve placed your trust in Christ and have accepted Him into your heart, you have every reason to be thankful.
The Bible teaches a lot of lessons regarding thankfulness and commands us to give thanks consistently. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 continues, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
We’re told in Colossians 4:2 to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
And 1 Corinthians 15:57 encourages us with this truth, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Over and over we’re encouraged to be thankful for all we have because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Beyond the material blessings for which to give thanks, are spiritual blessings for those who’ve placed their trust in the Savior of the world.
Because of this, our hearts should convey the joy of 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
We’ve been given the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. We have the blessing of salvation that’s rescued us from hell itself. And, placing our trust in Christ gives both a hope and a future as Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The gift of salvation brings with it gifts of purpose, peace, joy, unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and redemption. Because of Jesus, we can put our confidence in the One who knows all, sees all, and holds all in His hands. Because of Jesus we can have a personal relationship enabling us to pray to Him, learn from Him, lean on Him and tell others about Him. This relationship should have every believer in a continued state of thanksgiving and praise for all our Savior’s done and is doing in our lives day-to-day.
Because of Him our hearts can happily look forward to the future as we await with anticipation an eternal, perfect home in heaven where we’ll dwell forever with our Savior.
Because of Him we can rejoice, proclaiming with praise and happy hearts Romans 11:36 and Psalm 30:12 which state:
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
“That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”
Friends, as you prepare for the festivities this Thanksgiving holiday, let your focus be to cherish all you have because of all He’s given. And remember, with Christ as your Savior, you truly do have every reason to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!