Giving Thanks
By Susan Klein
"Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverance and awe."
Hebrews 12:28b (NIV)
In the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln drafted an official proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving and praise, to be observed every successive year on the fourth Thursday of November. In this proclamation he states,
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God." "No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People."(1)
As Americans, we gather together with friends and family on this day to celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful blessings and freedoms which have been bestowed upon us. As Christ-followers, let us consider how we might worship our God in an expression of gratitude for these gifts which come from His gracious hand. Scripture gives us some thought-provoking tools to accomplish this.
T- Trust in the Lord and do good, (Psalm 37:3a)
H- Honor the Lord with your wealth, (Proverbs 3:9a)
A- In all your ways acknowledge Him, (Psalm 3:6a)
N- Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- - think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
K- Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, (Colossians 3:1b)
S- Sing praises to God, (Psalm 47:6a)
G- Give thanks in all circumstances, (1Thessalonians 5:18a)
I- Requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, (1Timothy 2:10)
V- And over all these virtues put on love, (Colossians 3:14a)
I- Walk before me in integrity of heart, (1 Kings 9:4)
N- Whoever is kind to the needy honors God, (Proverbs 14:31)
G- "Fear God and give Him glory," (Revelation 14:7)
GOING DEEPER
1. On this day which has been set apart, how might you worship God with your gratitude?
1. On this day which has been set apart, how might you worship God with your gratitude?
FURTHER READING:
Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood.
