We have the power to be thankful in everything that we do.
During this time of year we are especially reminded of this truth.
Thanksgiving Day in the United States is intended to be an annual day of thanks for the blessings of the past year, observed on the fourth Thursday in November.
We gather with family and friends to celebrate our thankfulness for the many blessings in our lives.
We often follow the traditions of our families like eating turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, apple pie, etc.
Being thankful is a biblical concept as shown in Colossians chapter 3:
Colossians 3:15-17 – And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. [the word “and” does not appear in many original texts]
We are instructed to “Be Ye Thankful” which means always thankful!
It is great to give thanks on one special day of the year, but we know that it should be an everyday occurrence!
So what is our power in being thankful?
Thankfulness is a decision. We can choose to be thankful, or not.
God gives us great power as we show our gratitude for what he has already done for us. We can also show gratitude to others as they bless our lives.
If someone does something nice for you, be sure to tell them thank you!
The enemy would like us to think that there is more bad than good going on in our lives.
No matter what negatives we are facing there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
We have the ability to be born again! (Romans 10:9-10)
Once we are born again, we have Eternal Life! (1 John 5:11)
We have access to the father through our prayers! (1 Timothy 2:5)
We have the ability to manifest the power of the Holy Spirit! (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
We have homes, and jobs, and cars, and family, and friends, and food, and clothes, and stuff! God meets our needs as we trust him to do so. (Philippians 4:19)
We have a great household of believers to be a part of! (Ephesians 2:19)
Many times when we are encouraged to be thankful in the Bible, singing is often mentioned. And both seeking God and being thankful are two things we are to do continually!
I Chronicles 16:8-12 – Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth
What a great attitude of thankfulness these verses portray!
If there is a need in your life, then pray and believe for God to take care of it, and you will soon have another thing to be thankful for!
Psalms 100:4 – Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
It’s God’s will for us that we give thanks for everything!
“The more thankful you are for what you have today, the more you’ll have to be thankful for tomorrow.
From a November 2007 Teaching [Brackets indicate my comments] All scriptures are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted Thankfulness Quote courtesy of the book: Life Lines, Quotations of Dr. Victor Paul Weirwille (American Christian Press)