THANKSGIVING
Our November meeting of Baskets of Life was a program of beautiful praise and worship music to thank God for all that He is and has done for us. As we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, let our hearts focus on our thankfulness.
What does thankfulness mean and how can we make it real in our own lives? The word "thank-ful" means having a heart full of thanks. To have our hearts full of thanks, we must empty it of negative emotions which distort our thinking.
Our society encourages us to look at what we don't have and we become dissatisfied. Advertising is designed to make us want the newest model, the most shiny, expensive items, which is constantly changing. The big screen TV that we purchased last year only satisfies us until the next model comes out with newer features
, so we are envious of what we don't now have -which leads to covetousness. Matt 6:19,21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and decay destroys, and thieves break in and steal...For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
, so we are envious of what we don't now have -which leads to covetousness. Matt 6:19,21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and decay destroys, and thieves break in and steal...For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Entertainment, such as TV and movies, depict extravagant and dangerous lifestyles that seem so exciting. When we compare our own ordinary lives with what we see, we become disappointed with the responsibilities and routine of daily life. Some people attempt to step over the moral boundaries into the lifestyle depicted, but quickly discover that leads to severe consequences..addictions, financial loss are just a few.
The average American is on some type of social media for 6 hours a day.
When we compare our lives to what others say their family members are doing...little Suzie is on the honor roll, taking dance, voted most popular, we wonder "why can't I have a child like her?" Jealousy grows within us.
As discontent grows, we begin to feel negative emotions. We begin to look at the negatives and not the positives in our life. If this pattern becomes a habit, we see few things to be thankful for. How many times have we sat around the Thanksgiving table with family members (or ourselves included) complaining about how our life does not measure up to our expectations.
The word Thanks has its origin in the word Think. It's the not the events or circumstances that cause us to have negative feelings, but how we think about those things. It's our thinking, not the circumstances that cause us to be discontent. When we take control of our thinking, we can look at life differently, so we can be thankful.
Scripture shows us how:
In everything give thanks...1 Thessalonians 5:18
Place your trust in God, not in mankind or material things. God loves you; you
are his child. He wants the best for you. Even when life seems unfair, trust that God can turn things around to benefit you. Don't focus on the circumstance at this moment, this too shall pass. Good things come to those who wait.
...rejoice in every good thing which the Lord, your God, has given you. Deuteronomy 26:11
Keep your focus on what you do have and not on what you don't. The simple things in life bring the most joy. Stop your hurried pace and enjoy the beauty of the sunset, see how pure, white snow is as it blankets the earth.Thank God for his creation and that you have eyes to see. Go for a walk and thank God you have two legs that move, breathe in the fresh air and know that God is the one who gave you breath. Love and appreciate the family in which God has placed you. God has a plan and purpose for your life. You are there for a reason.
Colossians 3:15-16
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts...and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude.
Psalms 135:3
