Thanksgiving, among the most unambiguously labeled holidays, serves as a time of reflection upon the blessings granted unto us of God. While most focus on the family aspect, it finds its origins in more general community, initially being a commemoration of successful harvests shared amongst the populace. For the pilgrims of the colonial era, it was an opportunity to celebrate God’s preservation in providence, both in the abundance granted them and in the relationships established between them and the Native Americans. Despite the many hardships experienced by these people, they yet offered thanks to God for His blessings, and encouraged those around them to do the same. By making effort to uphold this tradition of thankfulness in modern times, we may promote humility in our culture and facilitate it in ourselves, especially when we can fully appreciate Divine Providence beyond what we might usually consider blessings.
The Bible is full of encouragement toward and wisdom concerning gratitude. Consider James 1:17 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Those who acknowledge God’s goodness to begin with will quickly admit our collective indebtedness to Him for the good things we partake of; but they may not be as quick to offer back gratitude amid their enjoyment. All too often we take our blessings for granted, as if they were somehow owed to us. We may even experience frustration in the minor inconveniences of life, outweighed though they necessarily are by the mercy of God in granting life to us at all. Better to continually seek out opportunities to return thanks, that our hearts may perpetually be inclined in homage toward the One from whom all things are given.
We may take gratitude yet further. Consider Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. In His sovereignty, God reserves to Himself the effectuation of His Will through all that transpires in time. While He Himself does not do evil, yet evil is bound to serve Him according to His purpose. In every trial we experience, whether in consequence of our own sins or as part of the world’s ongoing corruption, we may be sure He will turn it to His glory, and therein our advantage. It may seem unintuitive to be thankful for our sufferings, but such is consistent with a complete and uncompromising trust in God. Some may be blessed to see the bigger picture in their suffering this side of Heaven, while others will be called to hold the greater faith to the end; either way, let us have hope in the eventual fulfillment of Christ’s Kingdom.
Perhaps the most direct passage of Scripture on the subject is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. We cannot doubt His desire for our gratitude, for it is clearly laid out in His Word. In part, this is merely the least of our return to Him of all He has given us, justly due to Him as the first form of worship. This would be sufficient reason on its own; added to this, however, is a benefit to us! As earlier said, the very act of thanksgiving serves to draw us closer to God in heart and spirit, by which we experience the peace of the Holy Spirit; none could ask for better.
Be thankful! TTT