Why does time seem to pass faster as you get older? It feels like just yesterday when we were celebrating Thanksgiving, but somehow a year has gone by and here we are again, watching the trees shed their leaves and the days get shorter. Patiently anticipating the family gatherings and delicious food we are sure to see in a few short weeks.
Each year on Thanksgiving, my entire extended family would go in a circle and share what they were thankful for. There is no moment I dreaded more than when the circle inevitably came to me. It was at that moment when I had to conjure up some ridiculous answer to what I was thankful for. Thinking back, I can’t really remember what I shared, but I’m sure “chocolate” was my answer for many years — it still is.
If only I could go back and tell my shy, childish self that there is so much to be thankful for. Not only on that day but every day!
As we prepare for this season of thankfulness, let’s remember all we have to be thankful for. Here are some of my favorite times the Bible mentions thankfulness:
- Colossians 3:16-17
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- 2 Corinthians 2:14
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
- Psalm 79:13
“But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.”
- Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”
- Colossians 4:2
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
- 1 Chronicles 16:8
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!”
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,”
- Psalm 107:21
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!”
- Psalm 86:12
“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.”
- Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
- 1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
- Psalm 95:2
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
- Ephesians 1:16
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,”
- Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
- Colossians 2:6-7
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
- Jeremiah 30:19
“Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate. I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be small.”
- Ephesians 5:20
“giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
- Revelation 7:12
“saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
I pray you find yourself surrounded by many blessings and love during this season of thanks. Whether you are thankful for macaroni and cheese or another year with your loved ones, give glory to God for all your many blessings!
Abby Phillips 
And then there is my favorite….
James 1:17-18
“Every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father”
I personally have been blessed four times over (including the author of this blog)!!!
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A great reminder about the importance of gratitude!
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