Long before America created an overflowing and beautifully sophisticated Thanksgiving table, thanksgiving was a thing. Before pilgrims gathered around a rough wood hewn table, or a sweet row of little hands clasped in prayer at my own table, thanksgiving was a thing.
The Israelites in the wilderness didn’t do so well with the concept of thanksgiving being “a thing.” They had issues with gratefulness. Because you see, a grateful heart connects to faith. It’s tied to trust, and permeated with belief in a God who is Sovereign, whether in lack or abundance. It acknowledges Him good in every circumstance.
Giving thanks demonstrates confidence in a Father who will take our hand into the unknown, even when there seems to be darkness in our path.
Whether we bow our heads at an abundant table or at one with just enough manna for dinner, our understanding of thanks can benefit from a look at the early apostles. For thanksgiving was a really big thing for the new church.Giving thanks demonstrates confidence in a Father who will take our hand into the unknown, even when there seems to be darkness in our path. Share on X
So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5:41 (NKJV)
The apostles, beaten and bloodied for preaching Jesus, left the unjust courtroom with joy. They were grateful. They felt chosen and worthy of something marvelous. Disgrace, ridicule, and shame in a culture and society which opposed them brought true thanksgiving.
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24 (NKJV).
Paul intertwined thanksgiving with many sufferings in his writings. He understood not only God’s Sovereignty in affliction, but also its purifying impact within the Church. His hardships enabled others in the body of Christ to be encouraged, grow, and continue in faith. Thanksgiving included adversity.
for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Hebrews 10:34 (NKJV)
“It’s mine,” that childish not-gonna-let go attitude so often grows up with us. As the toys and stakes get bigger, the losses more painful, injustices become much harder to let go. Believers in the early church had lands and possessions stolen from them. Because they looked farther ahead with eternal perspective, they saw something of greater value. Despite unfair financial loss, they practiced gratitude.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2-3 (NKJV)
James, half brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church, begins the book of James with this next to impossible admonishment. “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” Wouldn’t life be so bright without all the bad stuff?
James recognized times of testing benefit our faith. He reminds us that spiritual maturity is a product of our trials. And so, James shows thanksgiving even for life’s problems.
All of these looked ahead to greater blessings and found thanksgiving within their present situation. They inspire me to dig into gratefulness whether or not I feel it, or even see it.
Thanksgiving was a thing long before it became a day on the calendar. It flowed from hearts full of trust and confidence in God’s Sovereignty everyday and in every way.
This really is Thanksgiving.
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