Give Thanks

By Guest Blogger November 22, 2007 Devotion

Sometimes it seems that on Thanksgiving Day we remember the great feast that the Pilgrims (maybe) shared with the native peoples on that day so long ago.

What we should remember is what made that day so memorable to the new immigrants who feasted on that day.

The fact that they had plenty would have been shadowed by the memories of the days of hunger. The feasting together would have been sobered by the memory of the friends and family who had died.

And yet, they praised God for what they had.

Sometimes is seems that we need to go through times of sorrow in order to fully experience (or recognize) joy. It is through times of need that we more fully appreciate times of plenty.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving time has been a difficult time of year for me because of great losses in my past. I came to the place where I had a choice…to dwell on the loss or to focus on the gifts that I have and to look to the future.

Paul was like that.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:15-18,NIV)

He knew the secret:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil 4:11-1, NIV)

David knew this too:

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.

Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always. (Psalm 105: 1-5, NIV)

On this day, we give thanks.

Ellen Sig