To be fully HUMAN — A Daily Reflection :: THANKSGIVING :: November

November 27, 2008

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States - a special day when we celebrate the beginnings of this great country, the day the Pilgrims set aside to give thanks to God for all He had done for them during their difficult time. With apologies to those readers who live around the world, please allow me to focus this day on this country that is my home. Much of what I need to say will apply worldwide, so read on…

We are in the midst of a difficult time in this country – a time that can be terrifying at worst and unsettling at best. Where the slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid!” was an amusing quip some years ago, it’s not so amusing today. The economy – not only in the U.S. , but throughout the world – is teetering on the brink of collapse. As any 20 economists what caused the problem, and you’ll get 20 different answers – AND 20 different solutions. To find two “experts” who completely agree about the scope of this massive problem would be a miracle. There seems to be nothing to do but hang on and pray.

In the midst of this mess, the U.S. has elected a new President – an historic event since our President Elect is a man “of color” – something that millions have longed for through the years, and whose election has caused tremendous rejoicing among many. At the same time, ours is a country divided – divided in such a way as it has not been since the 1860’s. Those who did not want this man to be President run the gamut of emotions from anger to outright fear of what is to come. Many of those who are concerned about what is to come do so not because of his race, but because of his lack of experience. Will the decisions he makes help or will they make things even worse? Others rejoice at his election, looking forward to the change that he promised throughout his long campaign. If there is one thing that is certain, it’s that there is a definite, deep division within this country.

To add to the feelings of insecurity, we are still at war with an enemy that can’t be identified by country or color of its flag… and we continue to be at war in two countries in the Middle East , with other countries in the region making war-like noises almost daily.

And, as if the economy, war and terrorism weren’t enough to deal with, the world has been bombarded with natural disasters in a magnitude that news commentators have grown fond of calling “biblical proportions.” Earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and the tsunami of 2004 have taken an almost unimaginable toll of lives and property – far beyond anything we’ve ever seen before. Very few lives have gone untouched by either the ravages of nature or the abominable actions of evil men and women.

No matter where you live, pray for your leaders, as we are admonished to do by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-6, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men - the testimony given in its proper time.”

As difficult as it might seem, considering all of the above, it’s time for every born again believer in Jesus to give thanks… yes, give thanks! No matter where you live, take a few moments today to reflect on what is happening – not only in the United States , but all around the world - and then to consider all the many things we all need to be thankful for – especially in times like these…

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:7

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:11-12

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95:1-7

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5

"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." 2 Corinthians 2:14

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (grace)!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of God because of you?" 1 Thessalonians 3:9

(All quotes from the NIV)

Make a list today of all the things for which you have to be thankful. You’ll be amazed at how long it is!

Today, no matter where you live, take a few moments to reflect on what is happening – not only in the United States , but all around the world - and to consider all the many things we all need to be thankful for – especially in times like these…