Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Our traditional Thanksgiving is approaching, and it’s my favorite holiday for a number of reasons: I am truly grateful for family, friends, health, living in a great  country, material possessions, and all the other wonderful things not mentioned. Listing what’s obvious in my thanksgiving basket is not my purpose, however. A far greater priority deserves the spotlight on this special day…

We all know people who are rarely grateful. There is always something to complain about that’s not quite up to par. Likewise, we’ve also met people who have a gratefulness about them that bellows louder than a jet engine. All of us have probably exhibited a little from each of these extremes.

We also know there are library shelves too numerous to count that present books on good attitudes, positive thinking, and ways to make it as an optimist. While there are plenty of helpful points to be gleaned, may I suggest that we turn our attention to God’s good book? It was the Apostle Paul who said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” How was he able to make such a claim? His admission was this: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” You see, Paul resided permanently in his personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Because of it, he was inherently thankful… no matter what.

To be consistently thankful, we too must recognize and honor a God that loves us in a personal way. It’s possible for anyone to follow the lead of Paul. All we need to do is find permanent contentment in Jesus Christ–the One who is forever ready, willing, and able to strengthen us by the power of His Holy Spirit. As the 1700’s songwriter Thomas Ken wrote,

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow,                                                                                               Praise Him all creatures here below,                                                                                            Praise Him above ye heavenly host.                                                                                               Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”

Even though we’re living in one of the most challenging times in our great Nation, this Thanksgiving will be no less thankful for my wife and me.  In the midst of uncertainty and upheaval  running rampantly through our medical, personal, social, economic, educational, and political institutions, what we are most thankful for remains unshaken and protected from demonic or human foolishness and resulting harm.

So family and friends, simply, we’re thankful that God is ultimately in control, and His personal love affords us the choice to come with real thanksgiving, no matter what!

Thank you, Lord, Jesus….and Happy Thanksgiving to all!