Rather than constantly desiring more, we should be satisfied with what we have. Instead of searching the Christmas catalogue of gifts, we should review the Thanksgiving catalogue of blessings such as the one with which Psalm 103 begins. Do not forget these benefits: forgiveness of sins, healing from diseases, redemption from the pit, the crown of steadfast love and mercy, and renewed youth (Psa. 103:1-5).
Thanksgiving is an attitude to be cultivated in our hearts. In the four verses of Colossians 3:15-17, the apostle Paul reminds us to be thankful three times: “And be thankful” (v. 15), sing “with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (v. 16), and “give thanks to God the Father” through Christ (v. 17).
President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of October 3, 1863, called upon the nation to “…observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” A comedian said recently, “I am glad our nation has one day each year for us to be thankful so I don’t have to remember to be thankful all the rest of the time.” He was being sarcastic, but that may be the practice of some. It is not the case, however, in the heart of the one with the thankful attitude. He is thankful to God from Whom all blessings flow on every day of every year.
Be thankful to our beneficent Father, as Lincoln said, and also remember to praise Him.
–Andy