Thanksgiving is perhaps the least commercialized of all holiday seasons. It remains simply a time to gather with family and close friends to eat, to talk, to watch football, to share blessings of the past year and return to eat again! Outside of the Macy’s Day Parade, it is typically not celebrated with great fanfare or fireworks.
The Psalmist declares that “it is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord.” (Ps.92:1) Over seventy more times the Scripture references the giving of thanks. God certainly approves of this season, but greater still, He is for this practice of expressing our gratitude.
One of King David’s greatest gratitude psalms is not found in his book of songs but in I Chronicles 16 on the occasion of the entrance of the ark back into Jerusalem. It is a wonderful prototype of praise and thanksgiving to God.
“Give thanks unto the Lord,
Call upon His name,
make known his deeds among the people.
Sing unto Him,
sing psalms unto Him,
talk of all His wonderful works.
Remember His marvelous works that He hath done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth.
Give unto the Lord the glory due His name:
bring an offering, and come before Him in the beauty of holiness.
O give thanks unto the Lord,
for He is good;
His mercy endureth forever.”
Thanksgiving – it is not just a day, nor just a season, but a lifestyle!