2020 has been quite a year. Because of COVID, shutdowns, and online learning, it’s 12 months many of us would rather forget. In fact, the challenges we’re facing have led many to lose hope and declare defeat many months ago. However, there are also those who are still filled with joy in spite of these circumstances, and who press on with confident expectation in spite of frustrating trials. Those who recognize the difficulty of this life and yet are not shaken. What has empowered these individuals? What is the fuel in their fire? How are they still pressing on? And most importantly, is this something that each of us can take hold of?
We find our answer the fourth Thursday of November each year as we stop, pause, and celebrate Thanksgiving. Yet Thanksgiving is SO much more than an annual tradition. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God from a deep heart of humility. When we see Thanksgiving as a way of life and not just a turkey, we gain a closer connection with our heavenly Father, as we are reminded of His love and faithfulness. This relationship fills us with joy as we face the struggles, disappointments, and anxiety of our lives, confident that God is with us, for us, and that He is over all.
Thanksgiving is a recognition and appreciation of something that God has done. It is a declaration of appreciation for who God is. It is celebrating God’s provision. Each day we are provided with many opportunities to give thanks. From the grace God gives us to start each day, to the blessings of our loved ones, to all that Jesus endured so that we could be part of the family of God, and that is just a start.
When we do this, we recognize our limitations. We see that we did not bring about the blessings of our lives in our own strength. Our eyes are opened to the reality that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 No longer do I have to depend on myself, circumstances, or others to find confidence and hope. This gives me such joy. It is so good to know how small I am and how great He is.
And yet sometimes I allow myself to become distracted and discouraged. In recent weeks, unexpected circumstances and events beyond my control have shifted my focus away from God and magnified my frustrations. As my heart and mind were flooded with irritation and despair, I lost sight of the joy which Christ has provided.
A lifestyle of thanksgiving doesn’t mean that we can’t feel angry, disappointed, or frustrated. Instead, it reminds us of how God has walked with us in similar circumstances in the past. That He has helped us, that He has provided, that He has never failed. Remembering His faithfulness in the past deepens our trust in Him. We go to Him with our fears, cares, and worries, and another door is opened for Him to show us his goodness. We strengthen our dependence on Him.
The apostle Paul, writing from a jail cell, encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING present your requests to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7, emphasis added).
A lifestyle of thanksgiving is rejoicing in the Lord always. It isn’t rejoicing only when things go our way. We are celebrating how He is with us no matter the circumstances. This empowers us to come to Him thankful for who He is and what He’s done. We can tell Him how much we appreciate the gifts He’s given us. This gives us more confidence to share our needs with the One who loves us the most. It also blesses His heart as He sees us not turning to the lesser things of this world to find comfort, meaning, and identity, but to Him.
So how can we be purposeful in thanksgiving? Something practical that has helped me is using the notepad on my phone to write down blessings. I’m so encouraged as I look back and see all of God’s gifts and expressions of His love toward me.
Social media can be another great avenue to express our gratitude to God and others. It is so refreshing to see thanksgiving and appreciation on platforms like Facebook instead of insults and opinions. This is in addition to picking up the phone, sending a card, or letting someone know in person how much you appreciate what they’ve done and who they are.
When we make the daily effort to live a life of thanksgiving, we constantly remind ourselves that God is with us. That He is where our hope and strength is found, and we can walk victoriously through any storm we may face.