Giving of thanks


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes, I forget that Thanksgiving is for giving thanks. It seems so simple. The instructions are actually in the name. Thanks-Giving, the giving of thanks. Most of the time, I breeze right passed it and miss the whole point. However, practicing an attitude of gratitude, makes it easier to remember to give thanks.

Last week, I wrote a blog on 3 Steps to help us become more thankful. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps us learn how to be thankful in the ordinary moments of life. Making this a habit is only the first step. But to give thanks in all things, that is where the magic happens.
As I read my Jesus Calling devotion on November 24th, it said and I am paraphrasing, “When we learn to thank God regardless of our feelings, God gives us joy regardless of our circumstances. This is a spiritual act of obedience.”
I would like for you to re-read that sentence, letting its meaning soak into your soul. “When we learn to thank God regardless of our feelings, God gives us joy regardless of our circumstances.”
Psalm 89:15 says, Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”
Blessed means ‘happy’ and acclaim means ‘praise.’ Therefore, happy are those who have learned to praise the Lord. It is in our learning to be thankful in spite of our situation that leads to our happiness, our blessedness. God transforms us from the inside out when we practice an attitude of gratitude. This is God’s will for our lives; to be happy.

Happy are those that have learned to praise the Lord. 

Psalm 100:4-5 reads,

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 118:29 says, Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Psalm 9:1 declares, I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Psalm 7:17“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

Practice an attitude of gratitude.

Remembering that Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks is important. First, we give thanks to God for all the great things God has done in our lives. Then, we continue that thankfulness by expressing our gratitude to others. This creates an atmosphere for love and joy to abound.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let me encourage you to think of this time as a “giving of thanks.” Learn to be thankful. Think about who you can reach out to by text, phone, email, snail mail, FaceTime or Zoom for the sole purpose of thanking them. Practice giving thanks to God and others as your spiritual act of obedience. Intentionally infuse each moment with gratitude and discover the happiness of life that God intended for you.

Be thankful in all things.

You know, it is in giving that we receive. It is in the thanks that we become grateful. When we fill ordinary moments with thankfulness, they become extraordinary memories. Let us continue to learn how to praise God, giving thanks for all things and sharing that thanks with one another.

Let us pray;

God of the Great Thanksgiving, we praise You for all You are. Forgive us when we forget to be grateful. Teach us how to be thankful in all things, at all times, giving You all the praise and all the glory. Show us that Thanksgiving is for giving thanks. It is in the giving, we discover our true joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 
P.S. Leave me a comment below and tell me what you are thankful for or ways you are going to practice being grateful. Forward this message to a friend and thank them for their friendship. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. Let’s show the world how thankful we are. Until next time, just know, I am thankful for you. -M

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