Thankfulness 2024

Growing up I learned that Thanksgiving was a time of feasting for the Pilgrims and Indians. In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had been in America less than a year. During those months, over half their people died from disease or starvation. The Pilgrims hosted the first feast to celebrate life with their Indian friends and give thanks to God for His provision in difficult circumstances. Psalm 118: 1, “Oh, thank the Lord, for he’s so good..."

Gratefulness should be a way of life. We should stop the first five minutes of our day and think about what we are grateful for. We woke up, we have a bed, have a house, we're not in the elements, we have a job, we don't need a job, we are not in ill health, we have a family, we have water to bathe, we have food, our pets get to eat, we have freedom, we have a phone if someone had an emergency we can be notified, we can get news immediately, we can open our curtains and see the outside world and not be afraid, we have a relationship with Jesus, our children have a relationship with Jesus, we were raised in the church, we have friends, we are a child of the King and the list goes on. 1 Chronicles 16: 8, “‘Oh, give thanks to the Lord and pray to him,’ they sang. ‘Tell the people of the world about his mighty doings.’”

Millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Even at Thanksgiving, only a minority will pause and give thanks to God. God is so good, and His people truly should have a thankful heart, praising Him for who He is and what He has done.

Thanksgiving is not just a holiday with turkey but a heart of gratitude! Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. Let’s remain in the attitude of thankfulness. Colossians 3: 17, “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.”

Let’s make every day a day of thanksgiving. God is good every day!