Новые времена Go back to the homepage What, who and why to be thankful for This week, the United States celebrates the annual Thanksgiving holiday. Similar holidays are celebrated on different days in other countries: Canada, Germany, Japan, Austria, Grenada, St. Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in Brazil and the Philippines. A study of special Thanksgivings showed that celebrations are also held in the Dutch city of Leiden and in the Australian territory of Norfolk Island. This raises some questions: if we celebrate Thanksgiving, what should we be thankful for? And to whom should we be thankful? What if we live in a country that does not have an established Thanksgiving holiday? Let's look at these questions separately, using the Bible as a guide. What do we have to be thankful for? Sometimes we tend to pat ourselves on the shoulder when we experience success and important achievements. Obviously, this is the case: we have worked hard to achieve certain goals because of our abilities. However, how did those abilities come about? How did we acquire the innate talents and skills we utilized? We certainly didn't buy them at the mall or a specialty store. In many cases, people are born with abilities that are useful for the work they do. What about undesirable circumstances, hard times and hardships that we could not avoid?Should we be thankful for them too?My friend Albert, having experienced many difficult times in his personal and professional life, has come to the conclusion that yes, we should be thankful even for the "bad," because God uses such circumstances for our ultimate good and His glory. So, Scripture teaches: we should be thankful not only in good times, but also in difficult times.Because God uses them as part of His cleansing process for us.The Bible says: «Rejoice always… Give thanks for everything, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus» (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18). To whom should we be grateful? As noted above, in many cases it was not we who created the abilities that led us to success and notable accomplishments. And the abilities and talents that were utilized were in all likelihood developed and refined over time and with practice, but the "primary material" was God-given. This is why Scripture urges us to: «Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom; teach and admonish one another with psalms, praise, and spiritual songs, singing in grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God and the Father» (Colossians 3:16-17). What if Thanksgiving is not celebrated in the country where you live? Giving thanks or celebrating Thanksgiving doesn't need a national decree or local proclamation. It can and should be a natural response to the blessings we receive each day. In fact, for those of us who believe what James 1:17 says: «Every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from above, from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change," our gratitude should be a daily occurrence. As the psalmist wrote, "…let my soul praise You and let it not be silent. O Lord my God, I will praise You forever» (Psalm 29:13). © 2023. Robert J. Tamasi has written "Ambassadors of the Marketplace: CBMC's Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship"; "Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today's Workplace"; "Seeking Life with the Heart of a Shepherd," co-authored with Ken Johnson; and "The Heart of Mentoring," co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob's bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. Questions for reflection/discussion If you live in a country that celebrates Thanksgiving in one form or another, what does it commemorate? How does this special day affect you? Do you have any special traditions or customs that help you give thanks? However, if you live in a country or region that does not celebrate Thanksgiving, do you think that such a celebration should be done in some official way?Why yes or why no? What is your typical reaction when you experience times of great success or significant achievement?Do you bask in smugness and pat yourself on the shoulder, if not literally, then figuratively? Or do you pray, expressing gratitude to God for making these accomplishments possible? Or perhaps you do both? Explain your answer. What do you think about the concept of being thankful even in times of adversity, great trials and opposition? Does it seem difficult to you?How can someone be thankful that they have had to endure great hardship? NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Psalm 50:14-15; John 6:5-13; Romans 5:3-5, 8:28-39; 2 Corinthians 9:10-15; James 1:2-4 Difficult task There are many ways to show and express gratitude. We can do this through prayer, biblical reflection, and "giving in advance" by giving others the blessing we ourselves have received. Another way to show gratitude is to express gratitude to others. Think of someone (or a small group of friends) with whom you can share what God has done that you are thankful for. Perhaps even today.
