When the Pilgrims were strangers in a strange land, much challenge and hardship greeted them upon every boundary. Yet they had come to this new land in order to worship in spirit and in truth. Though the hardships were great, the prior challenge of limited worship in their native country was greater, making almost any condition acceptable. No matter what obstacle seemed to appear in front of the Pilgrims, they remained steadfast in their trust of the Lord. In 1621, God had blessed their efforts, in farming and building, with perfect weather, and in that autumn, Governor William Bradford called for a public day of Thanksgiving. With the help of the local Indians and the Lord’s hand with the weather, the corn crop never had been so bountiful, and for the first time, it looked as though there would be enough food to get them through winter. Bradford also invited Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag tribe. Yet when that first day of Thanksgiving dawned, Massasoit arrived with 90 Indians, which threatened to deplete the abundant winter supplies. Yet rather than panic, the Pilgrims continued to trust in their Provider. Jehovah-jireh (the Lord who provides) had also provided for the guests, as the Indians arrived with five deer and a dozen fat, wild turkeys. Additionally, the Indian women assisted in preparation of the banquet, teaching the settlers much about the foods in the new land.
Since that time, Thanksgiving has become a national holiday and part of our nation’s heritage, though in many households, gratefulness to the Lord who provides is not part of the celebration. First-century Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart,” yet we often ignore the bountiful blessings supplied by our Father like greedy children at Christmas, casting aside the new bicycle to see what other packages have our names upon them. There is nothing that grieves a parent more than an ungrateful child, and apparently, our Father knows that grief better than any.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Paul reminds us with the simply-stated verse above of many concepts that we tend to forget in our hearts. Our Father is incapable of giving bad gifts to His children, even if His children are ungrateful. “Rejoice always” and “in everything give thanks” should resonate in the hearts of all believers every day, not just on Thanksgiving, for we have a God who cares for us, always.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Having been beaten with rods for casting the evil spirit of divination from a slave girl, Paul and Silas were imprisoned at Philippi and placed in stocks (Acts 16). At midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God when a miraculous earthquake released them from bondage, along with all of the other prisoners. In those times, a jailer was responsible for the prisoners so completely, that if one escaped, the jailer had to serve the prisoner’s sentence. If all prisoners escaped, that jailer would be destined for life in prison, serving each sentence. Yet Paul ensured that no prisoner left the jail, though there were no locks to bind them. Instead, he taught the jailer about the love of Jesus, bringing that man to the saving knowledge of our Lord. How often do we complain in our limited hardship, unaware of the miracles God is performing in our lives, as well as in the lives of others? Instead of showering Him with praise and thanksgiving, we exhibit the blackness of ungrateful hearts.
And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
John 1:16
Our Lord does not shower us with partial blessings. Instead, we are granted the fullness of His love, the forgiveness of sin and the abundance of life in Him, through Him and with Him! On this Thanksgiving Day, rejoice, for we serve a God who loves us abundantly.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
He loves us more than we need and certainly, more than we deserve. Take time to notice the blessings and reflect upon the many ways He takes care of us. Most importantly, remember that even what appears to be a challenge or difficulty is a perfect blessing, for in those hardships, God draws us closer to Him. Let His love resonate in your soul this day, and every day! Happy Thanksgiving!
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
No comments:
Post a Comment