Giving Thanks

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving [emphasis added] let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you…Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phillipians 4:4-9, 11-13 ESV)

A lot of social media posts this time of year seem to focus on what people (Americans anyway) are thankful for. That is a great mental exercise to remind ourselves what we have to be thankful and grateful for. Far too often we take our blessings for granted.

This year I will spend the Thanksgiving holiday several thousands of miles away from home, separated from family- hopefully for the last time. The family I will spend this holiday with are my fellow Citizen-Soldiers.

The block of Scripture I posted here is probably my favorite on the subject of “thanksgiving”. It always reminds me to not only be thankful for the blessings God has provided but to remember to be thankful regardless of the circumstances in which I may find myself.

The Word also reminds of what we can be thankful for NOT having:

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) [again, emphasis added]

Despite the fact that I am once again separated from family & home, that I am in a place that is not friendly to my faith, that the holidays will be just another work day this year…I am thankful for so much and I am thankful for what I do not have.

Are you?