Tag Archives: thanksgiving

March 25
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“Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13b, NIV)

James reminds us that the rhythm of a disciple’s life is not all labor and toil.  There are many periods of happiness and joy.

As we ought to run to God when trouble arrives, we ought also to give thanks to God when our path is smooth, the weather is fair, and our neighbors are friendly.

The natural person attributes the presence of these things to many sources other than to God: Luck, one’s knowledge or skill, or the favor of others. The disciple sees only God (even when God is acting through others) as the source of all blessings.

James recommends this response: Praise God in song.  Indeed, “praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. . . ”  – Luther

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November 28
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“I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:6, NIV)

What has the Lord done for you?

What has been your response?

The psalmist credited God as the ultimate source of all that was good in his life; not others, not luck, not happenstance or fortune, not even himself. Then, having correctly identified the One behind every gracious act and every gift; the psalmist sang the Lord’s praise in response.

To whom are you giving credit for any of the good in your life; and what is your response?  – Luther

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November 27
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Thanksgiving Day 2014

“. . . give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

True thanksgiving knows no season or circumstance.

There is a small, but helpfully significant, difference between giving thanks in all circumstances; and giving thanks for all circumstances.

There are situations and circumstances for which you and I should never be thankful: War, disease, marital discord, gross economic inequality, the persistence of evil. . .  Yet, even in such circumstances, the disciple of Jesus is encouraged to be thankful — and it baffles the watching world.

In war, we know the Prince of Peace. In sickness, we are attended by the Great Physician. He makes reconciliation possible; and through your and my obedience, he feeds the poor, comforts the afflicted, visits the sick and the incarcerated, and clothes the naked. Evil may — for a time — persist; but evil shall never prevail!

Such an attitude makes giving thanks in all circumstances more than a theoretical possibility; it becomes the disciple’s reality!  – Luther

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