There have been some Thanksgiving holidays where my heart has been full of good things and my family surrounded the table. Others have been filled with pain, and even sorrow, with the reality of being alone on a holiday because of the challenges and changes life brings. However, I have learned, even in the midst of a season of challenge, I chose to offer the ‘sacrifice of praise’ and thank my God because Scripture tells us that “he who sacrifices thank offerings honors me (God)” (Psalm 50:23).
Thanksgiving comes every year, like clockwork. Summer evaporates into fall. The breeze turns cool, then cold. Leaves start to die and fall off of the trees. Let the raking begin!! And winter, well, it’s around the corner. In the midst of all these changes comes Thanksgiving.
There have been some Thanksgiving holidays where my heart has been full of good things and my family surrounded the table. Others have been filled with pain, and even sorrow, with the reality of being alone on a holiday because of the challenges and changes life brings. However, I have learned, even in the midst of a season of challenge, I chose to offer the ‘sacrifice of praise’ and thank my God because Scripture tells us that “he who sacrifices thank offerings honors me (God)” (Psalm 50:23).
If thankfulness only came on certain holidays or when things were great and life was good, some of us would rarely experience the transformation gratefulness brings. So, could it be that Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to offer thanks to our Creator for more than just the happenings or happy things of my life? And, if so, could thankfulness become the default position in my life, no matter what day it is or what is happening in our life?
The Bible tells us “give thanks in all circumstances.” Really??? Health problems? Money issues? Family tragedy? Yes. The Apostle Paul was writing to a church going through persecution. But Paul, himself, knew what he was talking about. He learned how to be grateful and content in all circumstances. Thankfulness can become a way of life, an attitude from which we can approach everything. It’s not just some pie in the sky, everything’s great in my life, kind of deal. Thankfulness is a choice. Thankfulness demonstrates a trust in our Creator that He is working “all things together for my good,” whether I see it or not. And, if I allow it, thankfulness works the fruit of the Spirit in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
WHEN we thank God, especially in difficult circumstances, it pushes us beyond ourselves and causes us to rely on God, the Creator, our faithful Father. It helps us realize that He is in control and His plans go far beyond our own. And, the truly crazy part, it produces more thankfulness in us! And, if we allow it, little by little, it becomes a way of life, developing in us a heart of gratitude.
My husband, Chuck, is a perfect example of this. He seems to look at everything through ‘rose colored glasses.’ That doesn’t mean he never has challenges or is out of touch with reality. Rather, he chooses to focus on good and be content with what he has. He chooses to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy as Philippians 4:8 instructs us. And all of us can choose to do the same, by offering everything in our lives up to God with prayer and thanksgiving as the verses before the one above teaches us.
Yes, “in this world we will have trouble. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.” So, this Thanksgiving, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, find something you can give God thanks for. Even if you are thanking Him in faith, knowing that He is working in you and in your situation. And with every utterance of thanks, He is building in you more of Him. And, by faith, we can say, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16
Guest Writer: Wilma Schneider Lormis