Notes Regarding a Thanksgiving Past
A final thought or two regarding thanksgiving, not just the holiday, but the practice. Christ himself once said: “…Do not worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25) He promises to provide, if we submit to His will. In life’s circumstances, even in times of persecution, Jesus says “…Rejoice and be exceedingly glad…” (Matthew 5:12). We are to accept the blessings He promises to provide, rejoicing, happy. This may come easy in good times, but He commands the same even if the days may be difficult.
Paul, writing to the church in Thessalonica said “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
The holiday is about gone, two more hours as I write this. God be praised that America paused today, to set aside a day to make a special effort to honor our Creator for the blessings He so richly showers upon us. That deserves recognition. Paul’s charge to Christians was to rejoice ALWAYS, not just on certain calendar days. He said pray WITHOUT CEASING, not just on certain calendar days. In EVERYTHING (all things-all days) give thanks, for (paraphrased) ‘this is the way God and Christ want it!’
Again, I could not be more happy that our nation just paused, as a whole, for a day where we all collectively gave thanks. Thank God we live in a country where we can do that. As we go back to work, school, and life resumes tomorrow or in the coming days, continue ALWAYS, WITHOUT CEASING, to be thankful in EVERYTHING, and give God the glory He so rightly deserves.
-Levi Sisemore is between preaching jobs
