The intent of Thanksgiving is to express gratitude.  So, what are you thankful for?  — A home?  A job?  A family and friends? 

This thanksgiving, be mindful of the fact that not everybody has a a place they can call their own.  Not everybody has a reliable source of income.  Some have lost people they love.

And, just because you now have a home, job, family and friends, doesn’t mean you will tomorrow.    What will you be thankful for then?

As I read through the psalms I noticed how the psalmist’s thanksgiving went beyond material blessings.  Notice in the following verses how his praise or thanksgiving was wrapped up in the person of God –who He is and what He has done.

Ps. 75:1 – We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds.

Ps. 92:1-4 – It is good to praise the LORD and make music to Your name, O Most High, … For You make me glad by Your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

Ps. 97:12 – Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.

Ps. 107:1 – Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Ps. 107:8 – Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men.

Ps. 118:29 – Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Ps. 119:62 – At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous laws.

Let me put out the challenge that this Thanksgiving we keep our focus our great God, on the fullness of who He is, instead of looking at what we do or don’t have.  When we are most thankful for Him, we will, like the Apostle Paul, learn to be content “in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

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In putting up new bulletins from our affiliate store under the church supplies section on the Thanksgiving Ministry Resources page, I came across one with a quote from Samuel F. Pugh of a prayer … “O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; When I have work, help me to remember the jobless.  When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all … ”

It reminded me to go beyond saying “thank you.”  Verbal expressions of gratitude and praise to God for what He has done for us are important but He is most pleased when we take it to the next step.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Heb. 13:15-16)