Which line do you usually join—the complaints side or the
gratitude side? I admit that I find myself in the complaints line more often
than I like to admit, though I really shouldn’t be. God has blessed me beyond
measure!
I don’t often read the book of Job but if ever there was an example of a man who stood on the gratitude side, it was Job. Even after losing his children, his wealth, and his health, he didn’t move over into the complaints line to join his wife who lambasts Job, “You are still as faithful as ever, aren't you? Why don't you curse God and die?”
Even in all this suffering, Job said nothing against God, but instead said, “May the Lord’s name be praised!”
This Thursday in America we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. While Thanksgiving has evolved over the 400 years since that first meal shared between colonists and the Wampanoag Indians to give thanks for a successful harvest, the tradition of coming together to share a meal and reflect on all that we’re grateful for endures.
As Christians we have the most reason to thank God. In His mercy and love God has offered us forgiveness from all our wrongdoing by allowing Jesus to take the punishment we deserved. We have God’s assurance of His continued presence with us as we walk this Earth and the promise of a better life waiting for us in Heaven.
Ephesians 5:19-20 says, “Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.”
This Thanksgiving let’s stand in the gratitude line! Let’s encourage one another with stories of God’s blessings! Let’s join the "Hallel", a Jewish practice of singing psalms of praise after the meal. If Job can do it after all he went through, so can we!
Be encouraged!
For further reflection, read my friend Bill Grandi's post on Thanksgiving!
