How to Give Thanks

Read This: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for people! For he has satisfied those who thirst, and those who hunger he has filled with food.” Psalm 107:8-9

Think: Thanksgiving: family, friends, and of course, food and football; all things to be thankful for. We can each add to that specific things we are personally grateful for this year. Whether you keep your list to yourself, post or twitter something each day in November, or take turns sharing around the Thanksgiving table, let’s remember it’s not all just about what we’re thankful for, but who we’re thankful to.

From the beauty of creation, the rise and fall of empires, to individual lives transformed, God’s handprint is everywhere. Colossians 1:16-17 tells us that all things were created through Christ and “He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him.” Yet the awesome and powerful God of the universe is the same God who knows how many hairs are on your head. He knows every unfulfilled dream, sees every tear, and cares so much he poured out his blood for us. Every day the sun rises and falls by his grace. And every day we live in under the umbrella of his goodness and love.

So relish the traditions, the turkey, the stuffing, and cranberry sauce—I’m getting hungry just writing about it! But as you do so, remember that every blessing, every gift, everything on our plates, and everyone sitting around the table, is a testimony of the Lord’s loving kindness in our lives and throughout history.

Ask: Stop and reflect, what are you most thankful for? How has God showed up in your life this year? What evidence of his love to see most clearly right now?

Pray: As we come together in thankfulness to the Lord, spend time praising God for who he is, what he has done in the past, what he’s doing in the present, and what he will do in the future.