Do we consistently acknowledge God to be the greatest source of our joy? Are we filled with discontentment over what we don’t have, rather than gratitude over what we do have? 

Tomorrow will be our family’s second Thanksgiving with Nanci in Heaven. I am so deeply grateful for the life God gave us together, and it is impossible to be this grateful without also being happy. This is 2 Corinthians 6:10, “sorrowful yet always rejoicing.”

Our thankfulness glorifies God and makes Him happy: “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me” (Psalm 50:23). Puritan John Boys echoed the sentiment of the psalmist: “As the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, so likewise a cheerful thanksgiver.” But God isn’t the only one affected when we give thanks.

God is the Almighty Judge who brings one person down while exalting another with purposes and timing that only He understands. His creatures may respond to His mysterious ways with bitterness, indifference, or praise. Given these alternatives, I choose praise.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth says, “Undeniable guilt, plus undeserved grace, should equal unbridled gratitude.” Far too often, though, it’s our arrogance and ingratitude and complaining spirits that are unbridled.

Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it’s a daily privilege and command. The happiest people are the most thankful ones. Here are some verses to contemplate and perhaps share with family and friends this week.

As it has been for many of you, 2020 has been a difficult year for Nanci and me for many reasons. But the more difficult the year, the more we need to take time to focus on giving thanks and praising our God of grace.

I love these thoughts from Max Lucado about not just surviving but thriving in the coming month, despite the difficulties and disappointments we may have right now. Hope this encourages you, too.

Happy people celebrate their conversion not just once, but over and over. They are profoundly grateful for what God has done for them.