Thanksgiving or gratefulness is a key measure of humility in our lives. What we enjoy and experience in this life are because God and others have done things for us. None of us would have survived the first few years of life if it wasn’t for others who took care of us!
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
“This is the will of God.” Sometimes we struggle knowing the will of God in specific circumstances. I believe that knowing God’s will in questions we have regarding direction, relationships, and in so many areas starts by walking out God’s will in these verses. Are we living a lifestyle of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks? If so, this positions us to hear God’s voice and know God’s will in the specific situations life brings our way. Thanksgiving softens our heart and makes it more tender so we can know God’s heart.
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” It’s easy to give thanks when things are going well, our finances are good, and when we hear God clearly. In these times we need to keep giving thanks and not slip into thinking that maybe some of our blessings are because of us. As we keep giving thanks this develops our thanksgiving “muscle” so that when times are tough we have the strength to continue this lifestyle.
A fun way to practice gratefulness is “popcorn style” thanksgiving. We use to do this with the boys when they were little before bed. They would go on and on listing things they were grateful for because it prolonged the process of going to bed!
But what are we truly grateful for? It starts with the little things. Father, I’m grateful for water. I’m grateful for hot water for showers. I’m grateful for an abundance of water.
Take time on Thanksgiving (or the next time you gather with others) to go around and have everyone name one thing they are grateful for. Then continue to practice thanksgiving every day of the year!
