I can think of another reason that we should devote more than one day a year to giving thanks to God for all we’ve received. I get this from one of Jack’s Bible memory verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:16:

“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

It’s easy to laugh when Jack tries to pronounce “Thessalonians” and “circumstances”. What’s not as easy is applying these verses in real life. As we begin our Thanksgiving meal, it’s a tradition in my family to go around the table and recount the blessings of the last year for which we are grateful to God. And that’s good; we should do that. But it’s easy to be grateful while you chewing some sweet potatoes and passing the gravy.

What about gratitude on other days? I want to encourage you to look for ways cultivate gratitude even after the turkey is long gone. I think a great way to do this is to keep a list of the requests you submit to God in prayer. I write mine down each day in my Moleskine. Periodically look back review what you’ve been praying for, taking note of the prayers God has answered. Let’s be like Matthew Henry: it was said that he was “an alert and thankful observer of answered prayer.”

Why should we do this?  The verse above couldn’t be more clear: it “is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  People spend a lot of time trying to figure out: what is God’s will for my life.  Here it is, folks: give thanks.
What prayers of yours has God answered lately?

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