Edited. Originally written 2024

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of my favorites on the calendar. It is heart-warming to participate in a collective tradition of people giving thanks.

In the recent past, we’ve hosted those in our home who had no family or people to gather with. I usually find time to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, which reminds me of childhood. And of course, the idea of gathering is a blessing of grace and fellowship, whether with family, new friends, or those in need.

But beyond one particular day, thanksgiving is a biblical practice for every Christian. The Bible is clear that thanksgiving is who we are as His children. We are thankful people. But we know that our humanity often dictates the heart. Or our sinful hearts often dictate our behavior. When we allow it, thanksgiving is at times, rarely thought or voiced.

Sometimes, if you want to change your heart, you change your mind. So, for a season, being thankful will be something you practice. But as with all things the Lord commands, there is great reward. To be thankful in my heart means my mind is renewed and my focus is intentionally on Christ. To be thankful is a choice. It is a daily choice. Sometimes, moment by moment.

To give thanks assumes there is an object of our thanks. Who are you giving thanks to? That matters. I read an article a day or so ago about a guy who thanked the universe.

It is the height of pride to thank spirits, the universe, or any nebulous idea for the rich resources given to everyone on the planet by the grace of our Lord.

Being human gives every man, woman, boy, and girl an assortment of blessings to acknowledge. Think of the material, physical, psychological, and emotional blessings. God, our Creator, designed us intricately. Are you overwhelmed by the familial, educational, medical, and financial blessings from the Father of Heavenly Lights? He does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). Should you lack something from that list, remember those in Christ have eternal spiritual blessings that bring goodness in every possible way (2 Peter 1:3-7).

And joyously, all Christians direct their thanks to the One who created the universe. We go to the top with our thanks. After all, He is the Lord of Heaven and Earth (Acts 17:24).

One friend started her day with a text to me, “Thank God for another beautiful day to serve and honor Him!”

Many mornings, my first thought or utterance is, “Thank you, Lord, for the breath of life. Thank you for sustaining me through the night and waking me in the morning.”

I need the Lord. For the God of the universe to send His Son to die in my place is enough for my heart to live with thankfulness. My heart is thankful to Him, and I hope yours is too.

TIP: When you voice thanks, be sure and say WHO you are thankful to. It is a witness to others. Please don’t assume they know WHO it is you thank. Try, “I am so thankful to God to have my family coming for Thanksgiving.” Or, “God encouraged me with a visit from a dear friend the other day.”

3 Ways to Start Your Day Thankful

–Be aware of your first thought – Let those first thoughts and words be intentionally directed to thank the only One who holds your heart for all eternity.

–Have a morning quiet time – Even a few minutes will direct your heart, and thanksgiving will rise from the Spirit in you.

–Spend time in prayer – Bowing your heart and your knees lets your pride know that He is Lord and you need Him all day long.

Here are links to previous blogs on the topics of prayer and quiet time:

https://valerierumfelt.com/2022/06/30/the-practice-of-prayer/: How To Start Your Day Thankful https://valerierumfelt.com/2023/09/25/why-i-meet-with-god-in-the-morning-2/: How To Start Your Day Thankful

©Valerie Rumfelt