The intended purpose for Thanksgiving Day is to formally celebrate our bounty and take time to thank God for the many blessings in our lives. I think we actually spend more time planning and preparing the meal for the day than we do for the true purpose. We spend many hours figuring out logistics for out of town family members, planning the meal, shopping for the food and of course preparing the meal. The time spent with family is very important but the time we spend giving thanks to our Lord is essential.
This picture was taken on Thanksgiving 2007 at Baylor Children’s Hospital. That year Jason spent his fifth birthday, New Years, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Sarah’s Birthday, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas in the hospital. I am so very Thankful that he is spending those special days at home surrounded by his loving and attentive family.
We should have a thankful attitude every day. The Apostle Paul gives us many examples of a thankful attitude. In nearly every epistle, Paul’s first words are those of thanksgiving and praise to God. Paul was a man who lived for God and did everything to please His Lord. His thankfulness was not dependent on his personal circumstances. This is evident by the many hardships he endured in his life. He wrote In everything give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We know that when he writes “everything” he means everything; even the hardships.
Enduring pain, heartache and suffering is a part of every human life. We as Christians are not excluded from these things because we believe in Christ. We are subject to life’s ups and downs, heartaches and joys just like everyone else. The difference is as Christians we have comfort and peace from The Holy Spirit during our difficult times and the unbeliever doesn’t. I have often said that I don’t know how a person can get through what our family has been through without Christ. It is so sad to think that people go through a death of a loved one without the hope of ever seeing them again! That thought truly breaks my heart!
We as Christians should live a life with an attitude of thankfulness and one that is pleasing to God. We should be thankful every day for the sacrifice Jesus made for our eternal souls and for the promise of His return. "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 24:30-31
I know it is hard to be thankful when it seems like adversity is all you seem to be experiencing. The bible says that the Lord is faithful. When you look to God for hope, strength, healing or comfort you shall find it. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:15-17
May God richly bless you always as you give Him praise and glory with your lives.
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