The end of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving always puts a smile on my face. Two things stand out. In the midst of a Thanksgiving feast, Charlie Brown and friends have popcorn and jellybeans on their plates. Such simple food, but it makes total sense for kids to have these foods at Thanksgiving. They are being thankful, so why not something as simple and praiseworthy as popcorn and jellybeans.
I am not as naturally thankful as Charlie Brown and his friends. Not that I am ungrateful, but too often I don’t call to mind the things in life for which I am thankful. It doesn’t come naturally for me. I have to work at the whole thankful thing. If you are anything like me, being thankful takes some work. All good habits take work.
Here are 4 verses that spur me on to give thanks:
Psalm 118. This psalm is a vivid reminder of the goodness and steadfast love of the Lord. Reading this psalm always causes me to erupt in grateful worship.
Romans 1:21. As I already mentioned, I have enough problems already thinking rightly and giving thanks. Giving thanks clarifies my thinking and reminds me to honor God as God.
Philippians 4:4-7. Giving thanks is connected to joy. As I come to God in thanks, I am reminded of His goodness and His provision. There is no reason for me to be anxious because I can trust the Lord with everything.
Colossians 3:16-17. These verses remind me that I need the body of Christ. Giving thanks is a corporate event. I am renewed, refreshed, and encouraged when I share in thanksgiving with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
This Thanksgiving and beyond, cultivate the practice of giving thanks with me. Hopefully one day, I can work less at giving thanks and simply be a thankful person.
