Giving Thanks...

Giving Thanks...11-27-25

There is always time to stop and give thanks. I think many Americans have forgotten their reasons to give thanks. Psalm 7:17: "I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High."

I love to read through the Old Testament and the Israelite journey to the Promised Land. But there is one part that I just can't wrap my head around. I have said before my husband calls me a "Pollyanna". I don't understand the endless complaining. Henry Luke writes about the fifteen times the Israelites complained, grumbled, and murmured during their journey. Instead of trusting and understanding with the good there will be potholes, they complained. Exodus 14:9-31 gives account of the Israelites at the Red Sea. Exodus 15 complaints of bitter water, Exodus 16 complaints of hunger, and Exodus 17 when they were thirsty. This continued on and on. I told my husband one night as I was reading that it amazed me that they couldn't look back and see any good in their current situation. No gratitude. No giving of thanks.

Anthony Watson, a contributor for Turning Point USA stated, "You can't appreciate the joy of anything until you learn to have Gratitude." Gratitude is deep and internal. An understanding of the deep sense of the One who provides everything we have. For me, gratitude is to God for all He has given and done for me. Giving of thanks is the outward expression of that gratitude.

Colossians 3:15: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." Today, we express those thoughts of Gratitude within us. Every day, we are so blessed and give thanks.