Give Thanks

Here in the United States we are approaching the annual celebration of Thanksgiving Day. According to tradition, this day was first observed by the Pilgrims who came to America and were saved from starvation by Native Americans. They set the day aside as a holiday to remember the Lord's goodness and give thanks to Him for His provision.

In modern times, the day turned into a time to spend with family and friends, eating and possibly watching college football on T.V.  In more recent years it has come to signal the beginning of the Christmas shopping insanity.

This year, let's remember to give thanks to God for all His wondrous blessings. My own family has been blessed with good health, ample food and clothing, a nice house, and a new daughter-in-law!

Here are a few scripture verses to remind us to give thanks, not only this week, but every day!

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.  I Chron. 16:34.

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. Psalm 30:4

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thess. 5:18

Notice that we are not commanded to give thanks only when our situation is good and everything is going our way. The Apostle Paul said to give thanks in everything. This is not easy for most of us, but as he said, it is the will of God.  We should all make an effort to give God thanks, even when our situation is not as we would like it.