In the Bible, thanksgiving means devotion, sacrifice, praise, or an offering. Thanksgiving is to GLORIFY GOD as an ACT OF WORSHIP, giving thanks FOR ALL THINGS as part of GOD’S PROVISION.
We are instructed to, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) David tells us, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD, for His MERCY (chêsêd: combines the ideas of love and loyalty) endures FOREVER!” (Psalm 107:1)
This would be a great thing to do on Thanksgiving Day, “DON’T WORRY about anything; instead, PRAY about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to THANK HIM FOR HIS ANSWERS.” (Philippians 4:6)
As Christians, we can reclaim Thanksgiving. Rather than just being a day where we eat too much and strategize our Black Friday sales plan of attack, we can go back to our HISTORICAL and SPIRITUAL roots as we give thanks to God. Sometimes we have the wrong expectations for holidays. We commonly imagine a festive scene filled with family, warmth, and laughter. The table is set and consuming-ready. Friends and family gather to reminisce and smile over plates of a variety of delicious food. Our Thanksgiving holidays do not always look like this, though. Broken families, loss of loved ones, or illness can all mar the holiday cheer. This is when we need to force ourselves to put into practice this powerful Word of God, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD, for His MERCY (chêsêd: His very faithfully always present love, joyfulness’ and loyalty) endures FOREVER!” (Psalm 107:1)
Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a NORMAL REACTION TO LOSS. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. SHOWING YOUR TRUE FEELINGS can help them and you. “I heard a loud shout from the throne saying, “Look, THE HOME OF GOD IS NOW AMONG US, and He will live with us, and we will be His people; yes, God Himself will BE WITH US. He will wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there shall be no more DEATH, nor SORROW, nor CRYING, nor PAIN. All of that has GONE FOREVER.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham