When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he began by expressing his thanks to the church. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel …” Philippians 1:3-5a
Thanksgiving is a healing expression. As we give thanks, we recognize that we are really not self-sufficient. We really do need other people. As we give thanks, we express how others have enriched our lives and touched us deeply.
Let me give you a few suggestions about how to make this week “a week of THANKSGIVING.”
First, emphasize the things you “have” to be thankful for instead of the “have nots”. Spend time “counting your blessings” and thinking of the little and big joys of life.
Second, note the people around you who are struggling with grief, tragedy, life, or loneliness. As you pray for them and their needs, you will begin to look at life through the proper lenses of gratitude and love. This will help make your Thanksgiving week much more meaningful and even more enjoyable.
Third, look for someone to bless and do so generously. If you have ‘in abundance,’ then ‘give out of’ your abundance. I am simply amazed about how I am blessed when l seek to bless other people with encouragement and generosity.
Fourth, don’t forget to whom you should be grateful. Our gratitude should focus on God and His blessings. He is the giver of every good gift. All of the things in life which are good, and a blessing, come from him.
And even though giving thanks is not always easy, the Bible is filled with exhortations to give thanks and to glorify God. The more we do so, the more we will experience joy and happiness in the days to come.