The Giving of Thanks

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7) Thanksgiving Day: a time to be with family and friends; a time to celebrate; a time to eat a holiday meal; a time to kick-off the countdown to Christmas….Right? No. It’s really a time to take the time to give thanks. But it’s not a day in which we offer a year’s work of thanks until next Thanksgiving Day rolls around. Our celebration on Thanksgiving Day should remind us to give thanks every day. Thanksgiving should permeate every aspect of our lives. Paul writes that even our prayers, regardless of for what we are praying, should be offered with thanksgiving. The Lord is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He is the One who guides our steps as He lights our paths. To every aspect of our lives He offers His provisions. He is the One who guides our steps as He lights our paths. To every aspect of our lives He offers His provisions, if we but reach out and receive them with thanks. And of His bounty, there is no end!

So on this day, a day of blessing, let us give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever. -- Ben