Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This year, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Yes, I said this year. Some years, my heart rejoices in the Incarnation of Christ, which we celebrate at Christmas. Other years, it may be the Resurrection, which we observe at Easter. But this year, I am rejoicing in that oh-so-Puritan observance of Thanksgiving.

Sadly, this day is often forgotten in the midst of dinner preparation and after-Thanksgiving sales. Indeed, in my past, there was a time when I too was caught up in the Americana experience of football and self-indulgence. But God is doing something interesting in this old heart of mine. In the midst of the feasting and celebrating, I want the praise and thanksgiving to the “Founder of the feast” to be paramount.

Consider the alternative to thankfulness. What is our focus if we do not thank God for who we are in Him; where He has placed us; what He has called us to do; and where He is directing us? If we take our eyes off of God and the incredible ways in which He has blessed us, we may find ourselves staring down a progressive path to selfishness, pride, fear, and finally, anger and despair.

Our selfishness may be revealed in the way we seek to pamper our flesh or ignore our sin. Our pride is evident to everyone, but us, when we ponder all the things “we” have accomplished for the Lord and all the faults and shortcomings of others. We puff ourselves up, convincing ourselves of our own importance, and with a feigned sense of confidence.

Yet, there is that ever present fear of the unknown – how long will the good times roll? Will thieves, death, sickness, or old age rob us of what “we” have earned? Or, perhaps, we focus on what we don’t have, what someone else has, or what we have already lost. Then anger or jealousy may rear its ugly head. In the end, we’re left alone with our bosom friend, despair – or even hatred.

No, these things are not for me. And surely they are not for you either. Let us instead rejoice and be thankful.

1 Chronicles 16:34: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

We are to be prayerful and thankful in everything! The good and the bad (at least what our mortal eyes see as bad). When we do this, we acknowledge the sovereign plan of God, that all things work together for our good, since we are a people who love the Lord and are called by Him (Romans 8:28).

We are saved by grace—God’s immeasurable grace. What are we saved for?

Psalm 106:47: Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise.

So, I am thankful. And I pray you are as well. Here are some things I am particularly thankful for this year…

I am thankful for the godly wife the Lord has given me. Thank You, Lord, for Stacy.

I am thankful for the heritage the Lord has given me in our children. Thank You, Lord, for the young McDonalds.

I am thankful for our church families. I am daily amazed at the love our families have for one another and for their faithfulness to the work of Christ. Thank You, Lord, for Providence Church.

I am thankful for the elders in our denomination. Thank You, Lord, for friends who challenge and stand by one another.

Lastly, I am thankful for peace of God that passes all understanding. Knowing the Lord is sovereign over His Creation gives me a peace regardless of the situation. Thank You, Lord, for teaching me daily. Thank you for the truths found in Your Holy, infallible Word.

If you are reading this blog and you don’t know the peace that I am speaking of, then I encourage you to read through the “Are You Good Enough?” tab above. If the Lord uses this in your life, please contact me.