Give Thanks To God!
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the
Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence
with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."
Psalm 95: 1-2
In America, we have Thanksgiving Day. Its roots go back to 1621
when the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest in the New World.
It was not until 1863 that it became an official U.S. observance
at the instigation of President Abraham Lincoln.
In most general terms, the way to give thanks was expanded
from the Old Testament to the New. In the Old Testament, God
was normally thanked “for” things—His works, attributes, and
blessings (Psalm 106:1).
While that focus is maintained in the New Testament,
it is expanded to giving thanks “in” all things
(1 Thessalonians 5:18).
That is, in all circumstances. We can do that because
we know God causes “all things” to work together for
our good (Romans 8:28).
Why not do both today? Give thanks to God for His blessings
and thanks for whatever circumstances you are experiencing.
Fill this day with thanksgiving to God.
"Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thy unworthy
servants,
do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness
and loving kindness to us, and to all men."
Book of Common Prayer
