G. K. Chesterton said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
There is so much sadness in this world, and certainly I still feel the loss of Nanci every day. But I am deeply grateful that God loves her and is taking care of her in His home right now. And as He is there for her, just as surely He is here for me. And you.
There are many reasons for happiness in this world too, which is why Paul could say "we are sorrowful yet always rejoicing." The Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, but giving thanks should be our daily mindset, during the Christmas season and beyond.
Here are some Scriptures that remind me of that. I hope God will speak to you through them:
“Give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us...” (Colossians 1:12–13)
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
Years ago, I determined that I wanted to write a book on the importance of gratitude in the Christian life. But then I read Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s book Choosing Gratitude and realized I no longer needed to! In fact, the two greatest books I’ve ever read on being thankful are Nancy’s book and Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. My list of 1,000 gifts includes Ann Voskamp and Nancy Leigh DeMoss for prompting us to cultivate a deeper and richer thankfulness.
Lord, help us to be thankful people. Help us to be grateful for ordinary days. And during our bad days, remind us of what you are preparing for us—endless days filled with goodness and abundance, where we will look back with amazed delight at your deliverance and look forward with anticipation of the endless wonders yet to come.
