Give Thanks
When I think of Thanksgiving, of course my mind goes to that special day when we gather around a smorgasbord of once-a-year foods and pause to reflect on the goodness of God and the blessings He’s given. But really… shouldn’t every day be a day of giving thanks? God has poured out so much for us to be grateful for, and as believers, we should be the ones leading the way in gratitude. It isn’t a duty—it’s an expression, an overflow of a heart that recognizes how insufficient we are without our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The internet is filled with stories about gratitude and positivity. The sad thing is that so many of these expressions are not directed toward the One who created them. Some people nod vaguely toward a “higher power,” but most settle into a sort of self-proclaimed positive thinking, trying to manufacture joy through self-realization.
Psalm 100:3 cuts through the confusion of the “self-made” mindset. The psalmist writes, “Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves…” When someone tries to build their own identity and determine their destiny apart from God, they inevitably run aground on the sandbar of doubt. Their confidence falters the moment others stop praising or affirming them. But when God authors your story, your confidence is rooted in Him—and one of the greatest responsibilities of your life becomes honoring Him. This understanding frees us from the pressures that the world tries to heap upon us.
Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “‘Man, know thyself,’ is a wise aphorism, yet to know our God is truer wisdom, and it is very questionable whether a man can know himself until he knows his God.” Through a real relationship with God, we discover that only He can redirect our misguided paths, transform the rubbish we create into something beautiful, and give us true joy for the journey.
I want to encourage you to intentionally give thanks—not only for the blessings He has given you, but also for the purpose, direction, and joy He provides along the way.
Wendi Fraley