Preparing my Heart for Thanksgiving

The holidays are fast approaching and if you’re anything like me you were ready for the holidays in July. I even put up my Christmas decorations the weekend after Halloween. Even though I am mentally and physically prepared for Christmas to be here, I have been reminded of the importance of Thanksgiving, less as a holiday experience and more as a time to pause and give thanks to God.

This reminder to be thankful has given me a lot to think about. Lately, in this season I have been thinking and anxiously awaiting a future season or circumstance, and not living in the now. Being thankful, giving thanks, or pausing to reflect is a common theme found in Scripture and repeated continuously.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 2:6-7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:15-17, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

These verses remind me that I should be thankful for where I am now, and the circumstances God has me in currently. A favorite quote of mine by Elisabeth Elliot is, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” There is much to be thankful for today, because today I live in freedom due to what Christ has done for me already. I can live and celebrate in that.

I don’t know what Thanksgiving looks like for you this year, but I pray that as you read these Scriptures you would be reminded to pause and be thankful for every circumstance. As we come to the close of Thanksgiving, advent is drawing near and we can take the time to reflect, celebrate and remember the reason for the season. There is much to be thankful for today friends!