Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the entire year.  It is a holiday that still points us to its original purpose:  to reflect upon our many blessings, and to give thanks.  So, it’s not surprising that I have been reflecting recently on the concept of being thankful in this season.  Here are some of my thoughts.

First, the Bible instructs us to give thanks in everything (by thanking God even in the midst of challenging circumstances):

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB  in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This is often an act of obedience, because in the midst of a difficult circumstance, we do not feel like giving thanks.  Yet we are called to give thanks anyway.

Then, the Bible instructs us to give thanks for everything:

Ephesians 5:20 NASB  always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

This is the hard part.  Thanking God in the situation is one thing, but thanking Him for the situation is totally different.  We can thank God in the situation (as an act of obedience), and our hearts can still be bitter, or hurt, or angry.  But thanking God for the situation requires a heart change.  

So, how do we arrive at this heart change?  How do we thank God for the situation?

1) By confessing any lack of trust we might have in God’s sovereignty in our lives:

1 John 1:9 NASB If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2) By remembering that God is not the cause of our trials and challenges.  (These trials are caused by the fallen state of the world we live in.)  Therefore, we are to remember that, for those who love God,  He will bring good out of every situation:

Romans 8:28 NASB  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

3) By reminding ourselves that God providentially uses every event of our lives for His glory and for our ultimate good, because He does all things well:

Mark 7:37a NASB They were utterly astonished, saying, "He has done all things well."

4) By looking at the blessings that God has given in the past:

1 Chronicles 16:12 NASB Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

Psalm 103:2-4 NASB  Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; (3) Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; (4) Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.

5) By looking to the future with the hope provided by God’s faithfulness in the past:

Psalm 27:13 NASB I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD [again] In the land of the living.

Psalm 103:5 NASB  [God] satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Will you join me in this prayer?

O God, thank You that our nation was founded by men and women that feared You, and sought to have a place to live where they could worship You freely, with hearts full of gratitude.  We all benefit from their faith and their courage.  As I look back on this year and see Your faithfulness through the various challenges of life, I cannot help but express to You my heartfelt thanks for Your many blessings, and for the many things You have taught me through everything.  You indeed do all things well!  Thank You for the promises that we will see Your goodness in the days ahead, and that You will satisfy our years with good things – just as You have been faithful to do so in the past.

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”