The Gift of Gratitude: Embracing Thankfulness in Every Season
Written by Ryan Foglesong | Pastor of Corporate Worship
In the fabric of Christian virtues one thread stands out distinctly and weaves through the core of our faith: thankfulness. It sets us apart and reminds us that everything we have and all that we are is a gift. As Christians, our duty and joy are not only to receive these gifts with gratitude but also to embrace this call wholeheartedly. Thankfulness, profound and essential, is at the heart of our faith, shaping our outlook and infusing our lives with meaning and purpose.
“In a world that frequently prioritizes self-sufficiency and self-promotion, the unique posture of thankfulness exhibited by Christians in their words, online posts, actions, etc., may appear bizarre to those who lack faith in the origin of gratitude.”
However, we understand that this unique expression of gratitude, offered to a generous God, serves as a shining example of humility. We hope that through this humility the world will see Christ more clearly, and we trust that the Holy Spirit will use their curiosity to draw them to the Savior.
Our declaration of faith, then, to all who observe our lives is this: we do not claim authorship of our own destiny instead, we humbly acknowledge that we are recipients of unearned blessings from a compassionate and loving Creator. Our journey into thankfulness begins with this fundamental truth—everything we have, we've been given.
Let's explore the depths of thankfulness, emphasizing three essential aspects of gratitude in the Christian walk:
Being thankful for challenges
Appreciating unmerited blessings
Looking forward to and being grateful for an eternity with Christ in Heaven
1. Thankfulness for Challenges
When we encounter hardship and adversity in life, it's natural to question and even resent our circumstances. However, from a Christian perspective, we can find reason to be thankful for challenges. These trials may test our faith and stretch our spiritual muscles, causing us to grow and depend on God in ways we never imagined.
Consider the Apostle Paul who faced numerous trials, including imprisonment, persecution, and threat of death. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Paul found reason to be thankful even in the midst of suffering because he understood that these challenges were God-ordained opportunities to deepen his relationship with the Lord.
Even when our lives appear to be spiraling out of our grasp, we can maintain our confidence in God's sovereign authority. It is during these seasons of trial that he molds us, fostering our growth and completeness. In the words of James, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" (James 1:2-3).
Challenges remind us of our need for God's guidance, wisdom, and strength. When we approach life's difficulties with a heart of thankfulness, we shift our focus from self-reliance to God-dependence, drawing closer to Him as we endure hardships.
2. Thankfulness for Unmerited Blessings
Another aspect of Christian gratitude is the recognition of unmerited blessings. God's love and grace shower us with gifts we don't deserve, and our response should be profound thankfulness.
In Ephesians 2:8-9, the apostle Paul reminds us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast." We, as Christians, acknowledge that our salvation is a gift we could never earn through our efforts. This provides a compelling reason to be thankful for God's love and mercy.
Moreover, as we reflect on the blessings in our lives—family, friends, health, and countless other gifts—we are reminded that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). Recognizing the unmerited nature of these blessings deepens our gratitude, leading us to praise and thank God for his generosity.
3. Thankfulness for Eternal Hope in Christ
One of the most profound aspects of Christian thankfulness is our hope for an eternity spent with Christ in Heaven. In John 14:2-3, Jesus comforts His disciples by saying, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."
The prospect of an everlasting home with Christ fills us with boundless joy and gratitude. It reminds us that our earthly trials and tribulations are temporary, and a glorious future awaits us. This hope serves as an anchor for our souls in times of difficulty, helping us to persevere with thanksgiving in our hearts.
We often perceive hope as an emotional state tied to our desires for the future even when we are uncertain if those desires will come to fruition. For example, we might "hope" that our broken marriage will be restored or that we can avert financial disaster. However, despite our sincere wishes, there is no guarantee that we will achieve the outcomes we long for.
In the context of Scripture and God's divine plan, the concept of hope undergoes a profound transformation. Here, hope transcends mere desire; it becomes an unwavering confidence in the fulfillment of a future outcome. We understand that, for those who love God, all things are orchestrated for their ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Since we place our trust in God's promises, we can have complete assurance about the results. Our hope becomes a form of knowing because we are convinced that God can and will fulfill his word. As R. C. Sproul aptly puts it, "Hope is faith looking forward."
Conclusion
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we should rhyme our lives and our worship with the sentiments of the psalmist: "How can I repay the Lord for all the good he has done for me?" (Psalm 116:12). The goodness of the Lord should flow easily from our lips, as we pause to give thanks for the abundance of blessings that God has bestowed upon us.
“Thanksgiving should not be confined to a date on the calendar or a meal on the table; but rather, it can become a spiritual discipline that both glorifies the name of God and nourishes our own souls.”
Thanksgiving is not just a suggestion; it is the will of God for his people. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, "Give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It is an essential element of living as a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. Holiness encompasses not only moral excellence but also the pursuit of God's will. Thankfulness is a distinct pathway to sanctification and, as mentioned earlier, a powerful witness to those outside the faith.
Grace Family, as we enter this season of thanksgiving, let's not reduce our prayers to a mere formality over a table filled with food. Instead, let's nurture a heartfelt attitude of gratitude that accompanies us throughout our lives. In doing so, we embrace the duty and delight of receiving all we have as gifts from our loving and gracious Creator.