In Everything Give Thanks??

Giving thanks is a sure pathway to encouragement.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday.

When I was growing up, my family organized an event each year which occurred between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We called it “Thankmas”. We rented the Grange Hall and everyone came laden with their particular signature dish – Aunt Regis with her tongue pickles, suet pudding with hard sauce and mincemeat pie; Aunt Nene with her mock cherry pie; my Mom with “scratch” turkey gravy and baked sweet potatoes (how did she get them to taste like that?); and so much more that the tables were bowed under the weight of the delicacies laid out upon them. Relatives came from far and wide – aunts, uncles, cousins, food, noise, the latest gossip (umm, I mean news) and fun, fun, fun!!

Great memories. Today my reason for loving Thanksgiving has changed.

In the summer of 1978, at the end of a long walk down the wrong path, I met our Lord Jesus

Christ. I unreservedly gave my heart to Him. I began reading the Bible, especially the Psalms,

and I noticed lots of verses about giving thanks to God. I wondered if I should start learning to be thankful, because mostly, I wasn’t.

Then I read 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in

Christ Jesus.” So, thank God in everything?? Okay, but my past included things in the midst of which I couldn’t imagine someone giving thanks.

Do you know that there is life-changing power in having a grateful heart? There have been many studies done on the psychology of gratitude. Among other findings, all results agree that gratitude makes one happier, more hopeful, more optimistic and more satisfied. Being grateful is believed to reduce stress, help you sleep better and increase your mental strength. Some of those psychologists may not agree with me about the One to Whom we need to direct our gratitude but the results cannot be denied.

One definition for the word thankful is “to be conscious of a benefit received”. I desperately

wanted God’s will for my life so I began a diligent practice of thanking Him for all that He had given me. I was alive because of His grace. I was recovering from my brokenness because of His power to heal. I had a family and friends who loved me because of His compassion. I had a job, a car, a home, food and clothing because of His provision. I was not, and am not, condemned because of His forgiveness. I was, and am, His child because of His love. I thanked Him for everything, even the lessons He was teaching me from having gone through those things I couldn’t be thankful for.

Thanking God is the same as praising Him for who He is and what He has done. After a while I discovered that, as I was thanking God, He was changing me! I began seeing my troubles less and His goodness more. I was seeing His continued faithfulness. I had peace in my heart and hope for the future. Giving thanks is a sure pathway to encouragement.

Today, I think we could all use a bit of support and reassurance. This year has been long and yes, discouraging in many ways. We have had to make many sacrifices and face disappointments we did not expect. I will admit I have had some less than stoic moments myself. The Pilgrims suffered greatly their first year in the new land. At least half their numbers had passed away. They must have felt alone and forgotten so far away from the home and life they had left behind. I marvel at their ability to still gather and give thanks.

Psalm 116:17 says, “I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” Indeed, sometimes giving thanks does seem like a sacrifice and not easy at all, a difficult choice to make. Amidst the losses, struggles and sorrow of life it can be hard to fix our focus on the good, the triumphs, the joy. How I know this is true!!

God knows us so well, Friend. He understands. He always leans His ear down to hear our call, whether praising or protesting. Tell Him everything. He has plenty of time for us. Though He knows our thoughts even before we express them, He never tires of hearing our voice.

Then, say Thank You.

Life has offered many goods and bads since 1978. And our Thanksgiving traditions have

changed. Alas, Thankmas is now just a cherished memory. I sure do miss those tongue pickles, and oh yes, Aunt Velma’s mouthwatering chocolate brownies. But we can be encouraged, dear ones. We can be ever so thankful. God’s goodness to us will

never change. Not ever.