A Time for Thanksgiving!

A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:1-5 NKJ).

Of all the American holidays, Thanksgiving seems to be the least commercialized. Though not strictly a religious holiday, certainly the principle of thanksgiving has a biblical foundation.

By implication, the name “Thanksgiving” causes one to ask, “Give thanks to whom?” From the model of the early settlers who gathered with the Native Americans on that first festival there is an acknowledgement of God’s provision for our well being. It should bring recognition that there is a higher power that has brought blessings into our lives.

The psalmist found it helpful to compose a Psalm of Thanksgiving. When feeling especially thankful it is a song to rehearse, to give voice of our appreciation for God’s great gifts.

Thanksgiving is more than a day of feasting. It is a day to reflect on our blessings and voice our appreciation not only to God but to others who have blessed our lives. It is particularly appropriate to recognize the contributions that others have given to our lives.

During this season reflect on the blessings you have received and then share those thoughts of thanksgiving to family, friends, and to God who has given so liberally to us! The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endures to all generations!
Happy Thanksgiving!