Thanks-giving is Thanks-living

American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson exposed a curious side of human nature when he wrote: 

“If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.”[1] 

That which is continually present becomes diminished, and loses its value in our minds. Or, in other words, that which we constantly see, we stop seeing! 

How easy to take for granted and stop appreciating the comfort of our homes, another meal on the table, a hot shower, or the presence of family and friends—because we experience them so often. 

Emerson reminds us to stop and marvel at those things we wouldn’t want to live without.

To be thankful. 

God encourages us similarly in His Word. He despises ingratitude, and tells us to be thankful in (not for) all our circumstances. 

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

In contrast, the Old Testament book of Exodus gives account of the Israelites after they left Egypt and were traveling to the Promised Land. Along the way, they began to bicker and complain—even though God had delivered them from slavery and promised to care for them. Beyond the hardships of the desert, they were unhappy with God’s provision of manna, their daily food. 

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD…” (Numbers 11:1) 

A bitter and complaining spirit displeases God. Rather, throughout the Scriptures, a thankful heart is extolled as something He expects of His people. 

Secular studies reveal countless benefits to gratitude, and how it increases happiness on many levels. Socially, thankful people have more friendships, deeper relationships, and healthier marriages. Gratitude causes us to be more positive, less self-centered and materialistic. We store fewer resentments and less bitterness. 

Small annoyances don’t seem so important when I’m thankful. I feel energized. More alive. More confident. More poised for giving and receiving a blessing. 

A grateful attitude has also been shown to increase productivity, improve decision-making, and help achieve goals. Healthwise, those who are grateful experience greater longevity, more relaxation, increased energy, better sleep, and less sickness. 

For the person with the Spirit of God in them, thankfulness not only reaps these many benefits, but also opens the windows of heaven, allowing spiritual blessings to flow freely. 

Psalm 100:4 tells us to: 

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.” 

Thanking God is also a key component in prayer, and experiencing His peace. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) 

Gratefulness opens the doors of communication to the God who created us to glorify Him. When our minds and hearts are focused on giving thanks in our circumstances, there is no room for worrying or complaining. 

Praise and thanksgiving centers our beings on Him, allowing us to release our burdens into His care, and view life more from His perspective. 

Thankfulness allows us to live life to the fullest. What we have becomes enough, and more. Gratitude turns an ordinary day into a celebration, a meal into a feast, a stranger into a friend. 

What are you thankful for today?

[1] From the essay “Nature,” written by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1830.

Copyright © 2014 Cheryl Elton