It’s November and in case you haven’t noticed – it is getting colder. Most of the leaves have fallen off the trees and January’s bitter sub zero winds blowing the snow across the road are just around the corner. But November does offer some warmth and promise. With all due respect to Veteran’s Day, November brings to mind Thanksgiving Day. I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. Why? Let me explain.
It has been said, “the key to happiness is a heart of thanksgiving” and I believe this is a profound truth. But why is this so? Great insight into understanding this truth is given by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:4-7 when he says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT) Paul encourages us to not worry. Instead he says we should bring everything to God in prayer with a heart of thanksgiving. The result of this is an inner peace that is beyond our ability to comprehend.
Why does what Paul says in these verses work in us? I think it is because a thankful heart leads to a changed perspective on life. We humans basically have two choices: (1) look at our lives from the point of view of what we are lacking. In other words, dwell on the things that are depriving us of true happiness, or (2) look at our lives with a heart of thanksgiving, thanking God for all the blessings He has bestowed on us. Choosing to be thankful breeds an attitude of appreciation which changes our entire outlook on life and draws us closer to God.
Thanksgiving Day gives all of us an opportunity to pause, reflect and express to God what we are thankful for. But God doesn’t want us to stop there. Make this and every day of your life from this point on an opportunity to practice having a heart of thanksgiving for all God has blessed you with. Make a conscious choice to be thankful. Resist the pressure from our culture and media to always be looking at what you are lacking. It’s just an illusion anyway. Numerous personal stories and studies show that those who have the most things are among the most miserable. If this is true, then why do we continue to pursue this false illusion of happiness? True happiness comes only from a heart of thanksgiving towards God. God wants to challenge us: Start living today with a heart of thanksgiving and see what a difference it makes!