For those of us who follow Jesus, thanksgiving is much more than a holiday. . . thanksgiving is a way of life, even our lifeline. Giving thanks is our pass into the presence of God (Psalm 95:2). Giving thanks to God is also the means of proclaiming His great deeds (Psalm 105:1, 107:22) and giving Him the credit for the good things we enjoy. It can be quite challenging to express gratitude when life is especially difficult, yet we are commanded to give thanks always. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I can remember being angry and a bit indignant about this command. I am to be thankful about being falsely accused, mocked and denigrated, mistreated, and rejected for Jesus? I grasp that some painful processes are necessary for growth. THE VINEDRESSER prunes our branches for more fruitfulness (John 15)—jobs are lost, relationships end, or perhaps we move. THE POTTER repairs our marred places—I sometimes imagine life’s pressures as His hands molding and reshaping my character (Jeremiah 20). THE REFINER’S FIRE—I equate with persecution or rejection from someone who matters to me. (Malachi 3:2). Each of these comparisons equate pain, grief and hardship with growth. I can look back on my life and see repeatedly how God has worked such difficulties together for good (Romans 8:28). Perhaps His command to be thankful in the midst of them is simply to activate our faith and hope in his promises.
Some time ago, I was prompted to begin my daily journal entry with a thank you. Reviewing each day’s events and interactions looking for reasons to thank God is an eye-opening and rewarding process. It has greatly improved my attitude and increased my awareness of God’s participation in my life. Identifying the focus of my thank you’s has become a habit that grows my hope and builds my faith. I am much more aware of how protected I am by God’s Angel Armies and how timely are some interactions. I am becoming quicker to observe and rejoice in the beauty around me as well as the kindnesses and friendship extended to me. It does not mean that everything is going well or all problems have been resolved. I live in a fallen world filled with enemy activity among some oblivious sinners. Nevertheless, I am increasingly conscious of God’s presence and His activities among us. I am quite sure that this habit of collecting reasons to thank God is more beneficial to me than it is honoring to Adonai! No wonder it is a command to give thanks in all circumstances. Thankfulness keeps us connected to God, our lifeline. Seeing what He is doing today enables us to rejoice on credit for tomorrow!
To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ve made a list of reasons to thank God—using each letter of the alphabet as a prompt. I offer it to you, our Heritage of Hope alumni, in appreciation of your ongoing support. May we each grow in hope as we give thanks to our generous, gracious Father who gave us Jesus, forgiveness, and the hope of an eternity with Him.
A to Z: REASONS I GIVE THANKS TO GOD
ACCESS TO ABBA—the audaciousness of my prayer life sometimes reminds me of little John-John under JFK’s desk in the Oval Office. My Father also has an important job, but I am his kiddo and welcome. Thank you, Abba! A BABY’S BELLY LAUGH—is so infectious, I must laugh with them. Thanks for laughter. COMPLETION OF A PROJECT—Solomon nailed it. The end of something is better than its beginning . . . Ecclesiastes 7:8 Hallelujah for every finished project! DEPENDABLE FOLKS—who do what they say they will do. How can we not shout thank you when God puts such a friend on our team? ENERGY—What a joy it is to be energized and excited to do something. FELLOWSHIP—this warm connection is often shared with friends, but what an amazing gift when experienced with strangers who also know Jesus. Thank you, Lord. GOODNESS AND MERCY— DO follow hard after me every day (Psalm 23:6). Since I started looking for my thank you’s, I am much more aware of how the Shepherd cares for me.
HANDWRITTEN NOTES—personal mail! Thank you, God, for every note and every friend. INTIMACY with God—I rejoice greatly every time God speaks to me in words, pictures, or brings Scripture to mind. JESUS REVEALED—from Genesis to Revelation—makes hopeful and meaningful sense of this life. Thank you, God, for my Bible. KINDNESSES—especially unexpected ones. “The car in front of you already paid for your order.” Woohoo! LEARNING—that ushers in new perspective or an aha moment. I look forward to an eternity of discovering the wonders of creation, your people, and Yourself. Thank you.
MEMORIES SHARED WITH FRIENDS—who know from whence we come and love us anyway! When and where our connection was made doesn’t matter. Having a common reference point seems anchoring. Comparing life stories and new perspectives with folks who’ve shared part of ours is so validating and encouraging. Thank you, Lord. NO—The power and privilege of saying no saves me much pain and conflict. I can say no to dessert, no to gossip, no to damaging attitudes and relationships, or no to the blame game. Thank you, Father, for the gift of choice. OPPORTUNITIES TO BLESS—with something as simple as a smile, a nod, or stopping for a pedestrian. Help me see these opportunities, please. PRAYER PARTNERS—those faithful friends who say they will pray and then do so. Thank you, God, for those who will pray with and for us. QUESTIONS ANSWERED—it is so satisfying to obtain needed information and solve a problem. Thank you for leading me, Lord. RECOGNIZING—someone I know and love in a crowd unexpectedly.
STORY—how I love to hear or read a good, compelling story with interesting characters. I am rich with many books and a library at my disposal. I am even more thankful for friends who trust me enough to share their back stories. They tell me of adventure, love, tremendous challenges overcome or endured, sorrows, new discoveries, while grief, wisdom, and humor pour forth in the telling. My cup runneth over on this one. TRUTH COMING FORTH—is a good if painful thing after puzzling over a blind spot in my life. Conviction usually hurts, but 1 John 1:9 declares confession to be the way to forgiveness and righteousness. Thank you, Jesus, for making a way for me to you. UNDERSTANDING— is a glorious gift whether given or received. When counseling, it was a very special moment when a client felt heard and understood. Whatever their burden, that was moment it began to lift. I see this in conversations between friends. To be heard and understood is such a blessing. Open my ears and heart, Lord, every day.
VISTAS AND VIEWS—of God’s creation where the scope prompts awe. The Grand Canyon or the full moon on a clear night humble me. Thank you God for beauty. WATER tumbling over rocks makes a delightfully soothing sound that refreshes my soul. I thank you Lord, for placing us so close to the Lewis River that I hear this sound at least weekly. XO’s—at the end of a letter or note meaning hugs and kisses! Thank you for affection warmly extended. YOU—OUR HERITAGE OF HOPE SUPPORTERS. Thank you for your encouraging notes, for sharing your stories with us, for spreading the word about of Heritage of Hope, and for your generous donations. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ all night long—Thank you, Father, for rest and a multitude of reasons to give thanks. You do indeed pour out your blessings like rain. Please enable us to recognize them and enter your gates with thanksgiving every day!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name (Psalm 100:4).
