Count Your Blessings
When we think of the first Thanksgiving, we think of the early settlers, Pilgrims, and Indians sharing their feast in giving thanks to God for their harvest. In 1782 George Washington made Thanksgiving an official holiday with the Thanksgiving Proclamation.
“It being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for His gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give Him praise for His goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interposition’s of His providence in their behalf. They do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for His goodness, by a cheerful obedience of His laws, and by promoting, each in His station, and by His influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.”–George Washington, 1782
Wow, wouldn’t you love to hear our President and politicians today say such magnificent worshipful proclamation today? The history of Thanksgiving goes back even further. God’s Word informs us that in the days of King David there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100 (KJV)
Even further back we read of thanksgiving: Leviticus 7:11-13: “These are the instructions regarding the different kinds of peace offerings that may be presented to the Lord. If you present your peace offering as an expression of thanksgiving, the usual animal sacrifice must be accompanied by various kinds of bread made without yeast—thin cakes mixed with olive oil, wafers spread with oil, and cakes made of choice flour mixed with olive oil. This peace offering of thanksgiving must also be accompanied by loaves of bread made with yeast.” (NLT)
Throughout God’s Word we find many examples and commands regarding giving thanks.
“…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
We are living in a day and age of turmoil, uncertainty, and trials; but even with all of life’s challenges, I believe we still have more to be thankful for than any other people on earth. No matter what the challenges that are facing us this Thanksgiving, may we take time from the hustle and bustle of cooking, entertaining, and shopping to give God thanks for all He has done for each of us and our loved ones this glorious holiday season. As we gather around the table to partake of our Thanksgiving feast, may we pause to share a blessing or two that the Lord has so graciously provided; and may we share our blessings with a grateful heart; giving thanks to the ONE who has provided our glorious feast.
http://michele-risingabove.blogspot.com
Hi Michele,
Wow, I loved this post and thankyou for including these words from our first President. Also, the scriptures…. I have so much, so much to be thankful for. I give all praise and worship to our Lord, God Almighty. Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs.
Such a wonderful post, enjoy your thanksgiving sweetie. I love you.
Wonderful post today Michelle!