Good morning. After our worship today at New Life Christian Church we will be enjoying our annual “Thanksgiving Fellowship.” It is made all the more special because we are sharing this event of thanks with our Spanish speaking Christian brothers and sisters. There will be plenty of food, plenty of joy, and plenty of thanksgiving to go around.
I know that when the church began in the 1st century, every worship service ended with a fellowship meal. I don’t think it is a stretch to imagine that all of these fellowship meals were devoted to lifting up thanks and praise to God the Father and to our Savior Jesus. It is hard to argue with their tradition. Every time of worship should be seen as an opportunity for fellowship, love, and thanksgiving.
God is Jehovah, the great I AM. He is El-Shaddai, the Almighty God. He is Jehovah-Jireh, God our Provider. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:16-18. Everything we enjoy in the present and in the days to come is a gift from God worthy of thanksgiving.
But what if our life is a mess? What if our circumstances feel like anything but a gift from God? We may feel that way, but God is at work for our good and His glory. Biblical thanksgiving does not focus on our circumstances, but on the character of God. Circumstances change; God does not. For this, we give thanks!
In Psalm 73, David was perplexed at the prosperity of the wicked while the godly faced difficulties and trials. However, he reminded himself that God alone was his provision, counsel, strength, desire and portion. He knew from God’s Word the fate of those who are far from God, and he remembered that it was good and right for him to be near God. God was his refuge and offering thanksgiving for all God had done was as natural as breathing.
They say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. Psalm 73:11-12
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:23-26
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that by submitting our requests to God with a thankful heart, we receive peace that transcends all understanding. Thanksgiving is integral to a right relationship with God. It is the hallmark of a true follower of Jesus Christ because thanksgiving honors God, bringing glory to His name and blessings beyond measure. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As we worship today may we give heartfelt thanks. May these words from Colossians 3:15 resonate within us: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And Be Thankful.”
God bless, and please know that I am thankful for each of you!
Vern