While we should be thankful every day for the incredible blessings God has given to us, Americans set aside one day a year to express our gratitude as a nation. I recognize not everyone feels thankful today. Illness, job loss, personal tragedy, and general dissatisfaction with life can darken our minds and keep us from recognizing how much we have to be thankful for.
Wherever you are, simply looking around you reveals much for which you can be thankful. I don’t know your circumstances, but I’ve never met anyone who couldn’t point to someone worse off than they were. So, that’s a start. If it could be worse, then there is something for which you can praise God.
No matter how dire our circumstances are, we must not lose sight of God’s promise to provide for our needs. God knows what we need before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:7-8). What’s more, He promises to provide for all our needs so long as we are seeking Him above all else. If you ask me, that’s a fantastic trade. We serve and worship the One we love, and in return, He’ll take care of what we eat, drink, and wear (Matthew 6:25-34). Be thankful we serve such a generous and gracious God!
Most people in the West have not only all they need, but more than they need. In my neighborhood, much to my chagrin, and even though every house has a garage, people tend to park on the street. They have so much stuff it won’t fit in their house, so they have to put it in their garage. As a people, we don’t lack for stuff, but we most certainly lack for wisdom and restraint! It’s important to remember, amid all our blessings, to be thankful but not greedy.
It is wise to sense the times and prepare accordingly. At the same time, as followers of Christ, we should resist the urge to hoard and trust God to provide all we need. When we accumulate more than we need, we show we think provision is up to us and not to God. No one wants to think about being homeless or hungry, so we squirrel away food and money as a shelter against such events. But it’s all in vain. Our best plans will fail, but God never will. If we seek Him with all our energy and devotion, He’ll take care of the rest.
Today–and every day–be thankful for God’s provision. Be thankful that He has called, chosen, and loved you. Be thankful your eternity is secure in the arms of the all-powerful and eternal God. Never take for granted what Jesus has done for you and never forget what it cost Him. Seek Him first, and seek Him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:29-30). It is all He asks of us. In return, He promises to give us everything we need. Rest in that promise and never abuse it by becoming lazy or greedy. Our God is truly an awesome God. Be thankful that this God knows you by name.