Thanksgiving is more than a holiday

Hello there!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has always been near and dear to my heart. A quick trajectory of how being thankful has shaped my life is simply hinged on how I was raised. My late mom wouldn’t condone ingratitude in any shape or form. She was immersed in the act of thankfulness to God for the simplest and the most elaborate outcomes of life throughout her lifetime. My siblings and I were not allowed to take for granted whatever needed to be appreciated. Eventually, I married a man who would not take the details of his life and the doings of God in his life’s path with levity. Nothing was too small or too big to be thankful for. You can imagine the thrill when I moved to the US for grad school and learned that Thanksgiving was a whole national holiday! I would admit, I’m not always in a jolly and thankful mood but I pray for the grace not to dwell in the ‘corridors’ of complaints. Overall, giving thanks is an output of my deep reflections on the would haves, could haves, should haves and what ifs of my life, had it not been for God. I believe Thanksgiving is more than a holiday, here’s why.

1. Count it all joy

Ingratitude does not please God. God does not like grumbling, remember a generation of Israelites in the wilderness and how that turned out for them. There will be instances that feel like wilderness in our own lives too but staying grateful is a shortcut to the promised land. Has the Lord not been faithful? He is faithful. Therefore, we pray for the grace to remain thankful daily. Remember, you are currently walking in answers to prayers from yesterday. Regardless of how it looks for you, maintain a heart of joy and gratitude to the very end. This is not the same as pretending or denying what you are going through. It is a spiritual exercise of how you choose to respond by faith based on your convictions. Allow the Holy Spirit to make your joy greatly increase in all things. I was listening to a prayer devotion this weekend by Rebirth ministry and the anchor said, that the lifespan of tears is through the night according to the bible. The joy that comes in the morning is unlimited. Amen!  

“Let nothing steal your Thanksgiving to God- So that in everything you can stand strong in God.”

Ann Voskamp

2. Rejoicing in hope

Last fall was an unforgettable season for my family. It was punctuated with quiet times, uncertainties, and events that called for nothing but hope in the Lord. As I found myself spiraling down a path I didn’t like, God helped me make and post a thank offering video during last year’s Thanksgiving. The video served as a reminder to my soul to forget not His benefits. I received a message from someone who told me how the video was thoughtful and encouraging in a timely manner. The delightful part of it was that the purpose of the video was to intentionally help me count my blessings and it helped someone else too! Gratitude is contagious and wholesome. Constantly remind yourself about the promises of God that cannot fail, there is a blog about Fall promises. I am thankful that our Lord goes before us to make every path straight and to fight every battle. Dear reader, I admonish you to rejoice and put your trust in God. God has given you so much joy that it engulfs any sorrow the world may bring. Let us refuse to allow any seed of sorrow or doubts to be planted by any external influence, who- or whatsoever that may be (trust me, it happens). Be wary of those who are more eager to sow seeds of panic, and are available for a pity party. Surround yourself with gratefulness, wonder, and stand in awe of the works of Jesus in your life!

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18.

3. A season to give thanks

I love Ecclesiastes 3 as it walks us through the contrasts of life. I find that scripture is relatable and comprehensive in how each season should be appreciated. Thanksgiving holiday may be just a day when family and friends gather around the table to share a meal, but it is much more than that. It is a day-to-day act of submission to the perfect will of God in our lives. Thankful for the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ whose death and resurrection have redeemed our souls from ultimate death. Thankful for unanswered prayers, we will get to see the big picture eventually. Read a beautiful poem on Thanksgiving by Gloria Gaither lovesong to my life blog. It is a day in the year to celebrate all the undeserved gifts God freely gives. I love the simplicity of the day, the warmth in sharing meals with loved ones, and the camaraderie of what brings us joy!

Of course, we are also here for the food and the joy of sharing a meal with family and friends. If things get spontaneous, we may slip in a song or two😂

Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!

Grace and blessings,

Olushola.

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