One day, a well-to-do gentleman met a peasant. “God give you a good day, my friend,” he greeted him. The peasant answered briskly, “I thank God I never have a bad day.” The gentleman was astonished and was silent for a minute then added, “God give you a happy life, my friend.” The peasant replied composedly, “I thank God I am never unhappy.” “Never unhappy!” exclaimed the man. “What do you mean?” “Well,” the peasant replied, “when it is sunshine—I thank God, when it rains—I thank God, when I have plenty—I thank God, when I am hungry—I thank God; and since God’s will is my will, and whatever pleases God pleases me, why should I say that I am unhappy when I am not?” The gentleman looked upon the peasant with astonishment. “Who are you,” he asked. “I am a king,” said the peasant. “A king?” the man asked, “Where is your kingdom?” The peasant smiled and whispered softly, “In my heart.”
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many Acts of thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12)
To whom do you relate in these scenarios?
- Two girls gather grapes. One is happy for their taste and sweetness, but the other complains about the seeds.
- Two women examine the same bush. One smells the roses, but the other can only see the thorns.
- Two men hike a mountain. One enjoys the breathtaking view, but the other complains about the effort it took to get there.
- Two children sit down to dinner. One bows his head in gratitude, but the other complains about having to eat vegetables.
Do you complain about what others would consider a blessing? Consider the fact that most of us who can read this post have more to be thankful for than most people who live in the entire world. Thanksgiving should not just be a holiday to believers but rather an attitude that we practice every day.
Of course, the Word of God encourages thankfulness throughout. These are a few scriptures to meditate on:
- Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- 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. (Philippians 4:6-7)
- But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
- Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
- And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)
- And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
- Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)
- While you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)
A Thanksgiving Poem – Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.
It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.