Give Thanks

The First Thanksgiving, painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)

Nine days from now is the American holiday called Thanksgiving. While the particular day chosen has no specific biblical significance, the concept certainly does.

The Bible, especially the Psalms, cry out that humans should thank God, and specifically His saints need to (Psalm 30:4).

The New Testament takes it a step further. The New Testament states that we are to even rejoice if we are living in evil times:

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is… 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:15-20).

The Apostle Paul rejoiced in the Lord and advised contentment:

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (Philippians 4:10-11).

8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition (1 Tim 6:8-9).

(Perhaps that I should mention that by New Testament standards, almost everyone in Western nations would be considered “rich).)

Also recall that God had Paul warn and condemn the unthankful in these end times:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful (2 Timothy 3:1-2).

Yes, 2008 has been a shaky year. Yes, the 6000 years given to humanity to rule itself under Satan’s sway is almost over (Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?). Yes, the outlook for the Anglo-American powers without massive repentance is disastrous (Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel and Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States).

But the God of heaven does have a plan (Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis). His plan will be accomplished. And that is part of why He sent his son:

…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

Give thanks.

An article of possibly related interest may be:

Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?