Thanksgiving Is Not Just For November
“Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 GW).
I love Thanksgiving! It is a fun time of year to get together with family, eat some great home cooked meals, and watch football. Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect on the past year and identify things which we are thankful. In some families, they go around the table and each person states one or two things for which they are thankful.
God has blessed us with many emotions with which we can express ourselves. Perhaps the healthiest of which is gratitude. Studies have shown that people that live a life of gratitude are at increased immunity to sickness and are generally happier. We all know an ungrateful person. They are never satisfied, and never seem to have enough power, money, houses, etc. I think many ungrateful people are not consciously ungrateful but are simply caught up in the “when and then” game. They are extremely focused on solving a problem and “when” it is resolved “then” they will relax and be happy. I have fallen into this trap before. The problem of course is that some problems can never be resolved and while we are working on one problem, another one or two will always occur. So, our happiness becomes postponed indefinitely.
Each day is a day made by our Lord and we should rejoice and be glad in it. Live and enjoy today! Tomorrow is not even promised so there is no need to worry about it. Yes, we need to prepare for retirement and do other things for our future benefit but there is nothing to gain by worrying about today or tomorrow. Matthew 6:34 teaches us, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
If we can learn to be thankful in all situations, then we truly cast all of our anxiety on Him and not be tempted to take it back. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.”
Gratitude can change everything. I had a friend tell me once that if you are feeling depressed, sit down and make a list of all the things you are grateful for. I am 48 years old and can quickly produce a list of at least 100 things. That would have been a challenge years ago. Here is a eye opener- some day you will be able to write down a few “bad” things on the list. For example, you may have been laid off from a job years ago but were later able to find a much better job. God turned the negative into a positive and for that you have something to add to your grateful list!
Prayer: Dear God, Create in us a grateful heart that is truly thankful for all of the blessings that you have given us. Thank you for turning negative life experiences into blessings. Help us to great each day with prayers of thanksgiving. We love, need, and trust you. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics…
-
How Can I Help Others?
How Can I Help Others?
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NIV).
As Christians we are all called into ministry through our baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Our greatest ministry for all Christians is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. When we show love to our neighbor, we are showing them Christ. It is important that we pause to discern how can we best help others. Below are a few ideas on helping, counseling, or ministering (any word will suffice I think) when a person is in need. Of…
Read More -
Getting To The Heart Of The Issue
Getting To The Heart Of The Issue
Over the years, I have spoken with many Christians and enjoyed having the opportunity to hear their testimony. Some are “intellectual Christians,” so to speak, and believe that science has proved the existence of Christ and therefore they also believe. Many have provided me with compelling arguments for their Christian faith. I also believe in Jesus and in science.
However, at the heart of the issue is our heart. Do you believe in Him in your heart and seek him with your whole heart? Jesus taught us in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God…
Read More -
What Is The Meaning Of “Iron Sharpens Iron”?
What Is The Meaning of “Iron Sharpens Iron”?
I am a volunteer with a national men’s ministry known as “Iron Sharpens Iron.” The name of our group is based on Proverb 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Iron Sharpens Iron is a Conference Network made up of individual ministries that are working interdependently to most effectively offer local church resources for men.This group is accomplishing this by mobilizing ministries to resource local churches with a first-class one-day equipping conference that is designed for men age 13 and older. These one-day conferences bring in world-class speakers to address…
Read More