 Simple
This is the season of Thanksgiving. A time set apart for us to give thanks for all the ways that God has blessed us. But how do we do that? Well, I suppose we could think of it in the simplest terms possible and just say, “Thanks God.” Or we could choose to be more elaborate and dramatic, being sure to use plenty of adjectives and adverbs to color the sentiment, while still communicating a simple thank you message. But maybe there are some steps that you and I could take to help make our giving of thanks to God even more meaningful even if it is still simple. The point is not to multiply the words used but to deepen the understanding of those things for which we are thankful. As the old saying goes it is the thought that counts. Reflection Even if we do not come up with any better words, intentional reflection on our blessings should drive us to prepare our hearts to genuinely express our appreciation to God. This kind of reflection means that we are thinking about the things that have happened in our lives and the gifts that we have received from the hand of God (James 1:17). The purpose of this reflection is to count or recount those blessings. In this way, we are acknowledging the reality of the meaning of those privileges and advantages and receiving them as blessings that were given to us as the kind intention of our great God! Meditation In this step we are not only remembering and recounting the gifts but also thinking deeply about the effects and purposes of those gifts. It is at this point that we may even realize that some things that we had not formerly thought of as positive had a greater purpose to be used for the edification and encouragement of others. In these cases we often cannot know in the middle of the circumstance the glorious purpose and comfort that God intends in the future (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). This is not the worldly idea of emptying our minds but rather we want to fill our minds with God’s word and works so thoughts of God and His grace and goodness are produced and promoted. Here we are considering the riches of God’s sovereign plans and the great depth of His thoughts (Psalm 92). Proclamation When we have taken the time and effort to consider all these ways that God has lavished His goodness and love on us then we should tell it! This is not only Thanksgiving season but also moving into Christmas season. One of my favorite Christmas carols is “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” and that is exactly what we need to do with our Thanksgiving. Yes, of course, we need to tell God thank you in private prayer and private praise but also in public proclamation and corporate worship. LOOK what our God has done! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving full of faith, family, and fellowship (oh and turkey, lots of turkey!!).
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