The Heart Of Thanksgiving

Next Thursday is one of America’s favorite holidays. For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a time to share a wonderful meal with relatives who travel to be together at this special time of year. Historically, Thanksgiving is a time of reflection upon our God, who has so graciously and faithfully provided for our lives. It is a time to recognize the blessings He has bountifully provided to us. As we reflect upon the goodness of God to such undeserving people as ourselves, we are led to understand that all that we have is in some way a gift from God.

Our breath, our heartbeat, our circulation, our digestion, our body’s waste disposal system, all of these body functions are kept functioning by the kindness of God. Our ability to work, to earn money, or to have a place to live and food to eat, are also all provided by God’s kindness to us. The ability to relate to our friends and family members in loving ways is a skill made possible by God, who placed that relational capability within our human nature.

So what is Thanksgiving to you? Is it stuffing yourself with a bounty of turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, vegetables, and three kinds of pie? Is it catching up with relatives? Is it the annual barrage of college and professional football games from 10 in the morning till 10 at night? Or is it the day you spend mapping out your shopping strategy for taking advantage of the shopping specials on the next day?

I am not saying that any of these things are wrong. These are all elements of most Americans’ Thanksgiving Day celebrations. But in the midst of all of these things, there seems to be a missing ingredient. Thanksgiving is not just about delighting in the things we have; it is acknowledging with gratefulness the Source of those things and blessings. Thus, thanksgiving requires expressing thanks to the Supplier, and not just gratitude for the supplies.

We must always be careful not to let the things we have become more important than the One who gives us those things. Lifting our eyes to God and expressing our appreciation and gratitude to Him helps put our lives back into proper focus. The focus of Thanksgiving Day should be spending some time thanking God, the giver of all the gifts and blessings we have, for providing for us. If we don’t consciously make an effort to thank God for our provisions, then the Provider becomes eclipsed by the provisions.

Psalm 145 can help us focus upon the core of thanksgiving. The first part of verse 7 gets to the heart of Thanksgiving by saying, “Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness” (NLT). What would be in your “story” this year that would tell others of God’s wonderful goodness towards you? How would sharing and listening to one another’s stories about God’s demonstrated goodness, enhance the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving this holiday time?

The psalmist was thankful that the LORD was kind, gracious, full of mercy, and faithful in doing what He said that He would do. He was thankful that God helps those who fall, and lifts up those who are carrying a heavy load. We should be thankful that God helps us when we fall, instead of scolding us by saying “I told you so.” Isn’t it great to remember that when our load is heavy, God comes to our side, and walking along side us helps us carry the load to our destination? How has God been kind, or gracious, or merciful, or faithful to you this year? What heavy load has God helped you carry this last year? Have you thanked Him?

We should also be thankful that God gives food as we need it. We need to look to Him for our supplies, but as we do, He opens His hand and gives us graciously what we need for our lives (cf. verses 15-16). What do you need from God today? Look to God expectantly to meet your need, and express gratitude and praise when He does.

This year at Thanksgiving, in the midst of all the things for which we are thankful, let’s not forget to gratefully tell God “thank You” for being the One who makes all of this possible! Do you have stories of how God helped you this year, or blessed you? Why not share those with others at your holiday table this year? Have a blessed and meaningful Thanksgiving!