Written by Sis. Stacy-Ann Wilson
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ”
Thanksgiving is a time of praise and celebration for all the gifts and blessings God gave us. The bible is full of thanksgiving stories telling us to be appreciative of what we have. After all, contentment and gratitude have always been part of the Lord’s teachings. During this upcoming holiday, its important to reflect on what truly matters. Using the Word as our guide, let’s go back to the true essence of Thanksgiving. Let’s rejoice in the blessings of a fruitful harvest because of the love and kindness of our Creator. One of the best things about thankfulness is that the more you choose it, the easier it gets. The more you profess gratitude, the more you notice things to be grateful for. There are various scriptures in the bible that document individuals who showed signs of gratitude towards God. Gratitude for his mercy, his healing, his goodness which all reign forever.
Paul gave thanks in the middle of a storm. (Acts 27)
This event in Acts 27 reads like a modern-day action adventure. Paul had been imprisoned and was put on a ship for Rome under Roman guard. The ship was soon caught in a violent hurricane. The crew first tried to hold the ship together by using ropes underneath, then they threw cargo overboard to lighten the ship. By the 14th day when they’d seen neither sun nor stars, “They gave up all hope of being saved.”Later that night, an angel of the Lord appeared to Paul assuring him no one would die. The storm raged on and the ship looked like it would be dashed against rocks. They dropped four anchors and prayed for daylight. No one had eaten for 14 days, and just before sunrise, Paul urged everyone to eat to regain strength. Throughout the storm, Paul took bread, gave thanks to God before the entire ship, broke the bread and distributed it. The next day, all 276 lives aboard made it safely to shore. If Paul gave thanks not after the storm had passed, but right in the midst, then we can give thanks in our storm as well.
David gave thanks to God for his kingdom (2 Sam 22)
Before becoming king of Israel, David was a wanted man. The current king, king Saul was threatened by David’s popularity with the people, and thus, hunted David across the countryside. However, God delivered David from Saul, and all his enemies. In addition, made David the king of Israel. Under David’s leadership, Israel’s influence expanded greatly. David became a high king, with the surrounding nations acknowledging him as their ruler. After Saul’s death, David sings a song of praise to God, which includes this line near the end:
“You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations”
2 Sam 22:49-50
I remember when we were tested in October of 2021. One minute everything was going well and the next minute, everything started unravelling day by day. To what seemed like a nightmare, grew more and more each day. This was a test from God on my husband and I faith. What we didn’t know was where God was taking us during this period of test. While we were sick, my husband grew sicker by what seemed by the hour, we tried every home-made remedy, and nothing seemed to be working. As I look back - recounting the days and nights of toiling and prayers that went up for healing, we didn’t know that this was all in preparation for the next level of what is to come. The entire church was on one accord, and each day we petitioned and wired heaven, God heard us, and he answered just in time. He did not forsake us, and we will continue to do his work till the end. My gratitude and faith have risen to another level, and I cannot be anymore thankful and grateful to God for his awesome power and reminder that he is the great I AM.
These are some reminders of how God’s goodness and faithfulness towards his people, will leave us no choice but to be grateful and show gratitude. Gratitude to the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. In this season of Thanksgiving, let us be reminded to be thankful through the good times and the bad times. The storms will come and pass in our lives. Through it all do not lose sight of the spirit of thanks and gratitude we should have for God.
God bless you all!