Thanksgiving is the most beautiful of words. It seems to create in us the readiness to express sincere and heartfelt appreciation for kindness shown and received.
“Thanksgiving Day” has a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans, generally. The occasion is observed and celebrated as families gather together to eat and enjoy a special ‘thanksgiving meal,’ consisting of roasted turkey with the stuffing (and trimmings), mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberries, and pumpkin or apple pie and eggnog for dessert.
The tradition goes back to 1941 when then President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November as “Thanksgiving Day.”
People are personally free to be thankful for whatever reason they choose. Perhaps some are just not thankful for anything.
For Christians, the Bible teaches that it is God’s will for us to give thanks. The text says: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks should be a positive mindset in the Christian experience. In the biblical sense there is no room for choosing what we should give thanks for, because it specifically states “in all circumstances.”
Christians should always rejoice, especially in appreciation for salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we are not rejoicing, something is definitely wrong. To rejoice means having a feeling of great pleasure and delight about something.
Paul was a joyful person regardless of his circumstances. And he had many. For instance, while incarcerated in prison, he wrote the letter to the Ephesians in which he stated that they should be “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20). Paul practiced what he preached.
Paul exhorts: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5:16-18). Let’s consider these essential aspects of Christian life and practice as mentioned.
1. Rejoice always. Some may argue how can they rejoice always when there is so much gloom and uncertainty around. Admittedly, this is not easy. However, we must trust in the Lord and never despair, because He “is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24). The Lord will help, guide, and see you through by making a way where there seems to be no way out. Keep on trusting in the Lord and never give up. Rejoicing always is a distinct characteristic of any true Christian.
2. Pray without ceasing. God is fully aware of every detail in our lives. Everything lies clear and open before Him. But God’s way is through prayer. Hence, we are to pray without ceasing. Prayer means having a conversation with God, and spreading our petitions before Him. The Bible says: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16). Prayer is absolutely essential to a life that pleases God.
3. Give thanks in all circumstances. First of all, “It is good to give thanks to the LORD.” (Psalm 92:1). Giving thanks is gratefully expressing gratitude to the giver or source of kindness for benefits received. Failure to give God thanks is ingratitude. If a person is not honoring God neither will that person give thanks to Him. God has declared “For those who honor me I will honor.” (1 Samuel 2:30).
Perhaps some people may be fine with giving thanks generally. But not “in all circumstances” as the Scripture exhorts. For Christians, “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” This means God approves that we give thanks in all circumstances. King David who wrote Psalm 9, said, “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Note the words, “with my whole heart.” Perhaps David included “in all circumstances.”
“These three good habits have been called the standing order of the church.” Writes William MacDonald. “They represent the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. The words in Christ Jesus remind us that He taught us these things during His earthly ministry and He was the living embodiment of what He taught. By teaching and example, He revealed to us God’s will concerning joy, prayer, and thanksgiving.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary p. 2043).
Why consider Thanksgiving only a one- day event? Each day should be thanksgiving because it is good to be alive and breathing. For Christians, regardless of circumstances, let us give thanks always, especially since “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Let us allow a spirit of gratitude to fill our hearts each and every day.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!