If you were a historian and wanted to describe life on planet earth in the year 2022 for future generations, you would likely employ terms that are descriptive of the political, social, and economic movements that seem to define our times. In recent years our political elites, in lieu of any constitutional awareness, have, perhaps unlawfully, flexed their legislative and judicial powers to turn our social lives into solitary confinement or familial cloisters. Our economy was put on hold for a year and a half, so that full recovery is still in question as we await, precariously perched on the precipice of a crippling recession. Sounds gloomy doesn’t it?
But wait, all is not lost! We have food and drink, our clothing seems sufficient, there are still roofs over our heads, the sun rose this morning, and we have a measure of health so that we can enjoy the love of friends and family. For the moment we are warm, and the cool air outside is refreshing to our lungs. You get the picture—we have much to be thankful for!
So, who shall we thank? Our contemporary leaders would like for us to thank them this Thanksgiving season. They even have the gall to take credit for the simple pleasures of life. But we know better; it is not them, nor is it ourselves that provide for our basic needs, and certainly not the niceties of life. If you are honest with yourself, you will have to agree, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)” Much to the annoyance of those who choose to overlook the obvious, there is a God who delights to involve Himself in the affairs of man.
I for one am resolved to ignore the commercialized hustle and bustle of this Thanksgiving season. I refuse to give turkeys more attention than God. I praise Him for His great love that afforded me eternal life in His presence through the gift of His own Son who paid the penalty for my sins. He is my Heavenly Father, and He alone is all that I need.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1Thessalonians 5:16–18)”