What happened to Thanksgiving??
Did culture cancel one of the most important reminders that we need to be thankful. Just look at the retail stores; as of November 1st, Christmas focus has taken over. You have to go to a grocery store to even notice some thanksgiving focus.
Culture skipping Thanksgiving is a mirror of the heart of many people, including Christians. The focus is more on the lack, wants, or needs. We need to focus on these things, but it should not eliminate our focus on being thankful for what we do have.
In this season, I find it interesting how the world’s views are also displayed in Christian views. Culture is leading the church and it needs to stop!
If you don’t understand the importance of being thankful, just look at the Israelites and the complaining about the miracle of mana they received daily! (Read Numbers 11)
We need to focus on thanksgiving EVERYDAY!
Psalms 100 is clear that we enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise!
What’s better than being in God the Father’s courts and presence?!?!
We have become so off-focused that we don’t even appreciate our daily miracles. Let’s not focus on the storm, lets focus on where God is working.
Even when going to church, many have stopped going to praise, to give thanks, and to hear the Word preached. The focus has become entertainment at church. This is sad.
The gathering of the saints should not be the entertaining of the saints! If our focus turns to just God, how much more would we benefit when we gather together!
What would happen if we would stop complaining and asking for more all the time and start focusing on being thankful and praising God our Father?
I believe we would see more Christians living in their promise land and not walking around the mountain again.
Let’s start with not skipping the Thanksgiving holiday season and use it as a time to reset; to start a lifestyle of thanksgiving.
I would encourage you to start a gratitude journal. Take a few minutes everyday this month to write down things you are grateful for – big and small. When the storms come, you can always pull this out and be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Studies have also shown that maintaining a gratitude journal can help battle depression. What a wonderful form of worship for us to express during this season!
-Marcus
