Thanksgiving

For nearly 400 years, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving in some fashion, based upon historical records, presidential declarations, and good old-fashioned traditions.

Today, we find ourselves in a 21-st century maze of information overload, prosperity beyond belief, and luxuries that our forefathers could have only fantasized about from their humble beginnings here.

The menu of foods is mind-boggling. The Black Friday marketing machine has become the dream of billionaires.  The fans-gone-wild sports industry is bigger than ever.  And somehow, amidst the craziness of life as we know it in America, we are challenged to stop, bow, humble ourselves, and show gratitude and thanks to a God who rarely gets a nod from us throughout the busyness of our lives.

Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do." (CEV)

Whatever happens.  Really??

There are parts of scripture that I really just don't like.  I don't understand.  I find myself struggling to agree with.  This is one of them.  Whatever happens ... keep thanking God.

But, what about the painful losses that I've suffered.  What about the unfair treatment I have endured.  What about the nasty rumors that have been spoken about me.  What about the acts of terror that are committed against innocent people around the world, and now even in my own beloved America ... the land of the free?!

I must read on.  The wise apostle says to keep on thanking God ... because of Jesus Christ.

Because.  Because of Who He is.  Because of What He has done.  Because of His suffering.  Because of the great price He has paid for my sin, and that of all humanity.  Because He is to be praised and glorified.  Because of His great salvation that His blood purchased.  Because of the epic battle that He has won over death, hell, and the grave.  Because He now sits at the right hand of The Father ever singing over me, interceding for me, pouring out His Spirit on me.

This is what God wants me to do.  This is what God wants you to do.  This is what we MUST do ... if we are to find any sense of true joy in this sin-sick world.

So, today ... I give thanks.  Jesus, thank You for the Cross.  Thank You for the price you paid.  Thank You for not quitting.  Thank You for defeating sin.  Thank You for my family, for my health, for the luxuries that we enjoy in America.  We are not worthy, and yet You have blessed us tremendously.

O God, I want to please you ... so, today I will give thanks.