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As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and spend the time in fellowship with their family and loved ones, this time of year serves as a reminder of the thankfulness of salvation found in Jesus Christ.
What does biblical thankfulness really mean?
Originally, Thanksgiving started with the Pilgrims, who survived a harsh winter. The original celebrants gave thanks to God, noting that providence enabled them to endure the severe weather and difficult living conditions. These Christians praised God in both times of trouble and blessing.
In a final message in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, the Apostle Paul taught, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Paul’s message can resonate with us today. First, he instructed his fellow Christians to pray without ceasing and, second, to give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances.
Material objects are just that: temporary belongings in a fallen world. Yet, having access to drinking water, electricity, and food in the cupboards surely puts life in perspective for those who have struggled to have such benefits.
Thankfulness is more than just praising God for food and shelter. Did you get a new job? Praise God. Did you pass another semester of studies? Praise God.
The holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas stands as a unique time to focus intently on the message and will of Jesus Christ.
Paul taught that the three most incredible things in life are faith, hope and love. All three are centered and derived from salvation in Jesus Christ. This alone is the most important part of thankfulness. While gaining the new job or having good health is worthy praise, our hope is found in Christ, through salvation.
Jesus Himself taught that the greatest commandment is to love God, and then to love one’s fellow man.
Thanksgiving is historically an opportunity to put aside differences, work, and reflect on fellowship, and, most earnestly, on God and the meaning of life. In our non-stop digital age, the ability to discern the meaning of life in such days is ever important.
Americans remain blessed to live in a land where the American Dream still exists. This alone serves as an example of thanksgiving.
We may not all have good health or circumstances this holiday season; in fact, many are living with incurable diseases, but every additional day provided by the Lord is a day to thank Him for His blessings and salvation found in Him.
Biblical thankfulness declares God is good and provides for His sheep. In a fallen world, thankfulness helps us remain heavenly-focused, something we could all do better at each day.
As you enter the holiday season, ensure you praise God for your blessings and even give thanks for walking with you through the tribulations.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you,” James 4:10 teaches.
In every joy and every trial, God remains faithful, and that alone fuels a life of genuine thanksgiving. May this season draw us nearer to the Lord and deepen our praise for the salvation we have in Christ.
