Embracing Thanksgiving: A Heart of Gratitude
G. L. Ellens
In a world that is characterized by fast-paced living and a relentless pursuit of materialism, the essence of gratitude can easily get lost in the shuffle. For us as Christians, however, thanksgiving is not just a holiday but an important spiritual discipline that has the power to transform our lives. The approach of the Thanksgiving season gives us an opportunity to reflect on the significance of gratitude in our faith journey.
In essence, gratitude is acknowledging God’s goodness and grace as we see it manifested in our lives and the lives of others. It’s an expression of humility, recognizing that all we have and all we are come from the hand of our Creator (1 Chronicles 29:14; 1 Corinthians 4:7).
The Bible contains many verses about giving thanks, such as: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). These verses remind us that gratitude doesn’t depend on our circumstances, but it flows from a heart that’s anchored in the unchanging character of God.
This can be seen in the story of the first Thanksgiving, which began with the journey of the Pilgrims from England to the New World in 1620. These brave men and women endured a perilous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean so they could find religious freedom. They landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the midst of winter. Because of the brutal weather, sickness, and lack of food, nearly half of the Pilgrims died. Despite these challenges and hardships, the Pilgrims persevered because they had strong faith in God. When spring came the following year, the indigenous Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims essential skills that helped them survive in their new environment. That autumn brought a bountiful harvest for the Pilgrims.
In gratitude for God’s care and provision, Governor Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and feasting to celebrate the harvest. The event lasted three days and brought the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag together in a spirit of camaraderie. It was a time of rejoicing and fellowship, as they shared food and gave thanks to God for the blessings He had bestowed on them.
Thus, the first Thanksgiving was not just a time of feasting on good food but a profound expression of gratitude amidst adversity. It symbolized the Pilgrims’ resilience in the face of hardship and their acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and loving care.
Today, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder of the Pilgrims’ legacy of faith and gratitude, inspiring us to embrace the practice of giving thanks to God in our own lives. As we gather with family and friends around the table, may we remember the sacrifices of those who came before us and the blessings we have received. And may we, like the Pilgrims, cultivate a heart of gratitude that transcends circumstances and is stayed on God.
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a way of life for Christians. It’s a call to cultivate a heart of gratitude that pervades every aspect of our being. As we embrace the practice of thanksgiving, may we be transformed from the inside out, becoming vessels of God’s love in a world that’s hungry for true hope and love.
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“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”—Melody Beattie
“My faith instills in me a deep sense of humility and gratitude, reminding me how often I fall short and how much I need the savior, and how thankful I am that God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves.”—Karen Hughes
“A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.”—James E. Faust
“A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer’s trust in the Lord and reliance on His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.”—John MacArthur
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