The leftovers sit in the refrigerator, the football feast is over, and maybe even some of the Christmas shopping is ended.
But thanksgiving isn’t over. Thanksgiving isn’t for a day; it’s for everyday.
Yesterday morning I read Habakkuk again — and was reminded why gratitude is important.
Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The prophet of Israel affirmed that should he have nothing — no food, nothing to sell for provision, nothing to sustain him in future times — yet He will still rejoice in God who has given him salvation. It evokes a remembrance of what C. S. Lewis said — the man who has all things, but not Christ, has nothing, while the man who has nothing, but has Christ, has all things.
Years ago, in seminary, a professor told of the Thanksgiving Sunday when he preached on being grateful for family, food, home, health, and heritage. As the people left, one woman asked him simply, “I don’t have anything of what you spoke this morning. For what should I be thankful?” He decided at that moment to never preach a sermon that excluded the cross and spiritual truths for which every believer can be thankful.
When an individual has salvation, he has enough to generate salvation that will last an eternity.
That’s one reason that Paul’s example of gratitude is so compelling. Throughout his letters, he not only encourages his readers to give thanks, but gives examples of his own thankfulness —
- Rom. 1:8 For the faith of the Romans which was spreading around the world
- 1 Cor. 1:4 For the work of God and His grace
- Eph. 1:15-16 For their faith and love
- Phil. 1:3, 5 For their “participation” in the gospel
- Col. 1:3-4 For their faith and love
- 1 Thess. 1:2 For their work in faith, love, and hope
- 2 Thess. 1:3 For their growing faith and love
- Philemon 4-5 For Philemon’s love and faith
Little on that list corresponds to our typical efforts toward gratitude. Much on that list is rooted in thankfulness for the progress of faith in the life of others. This is what emulates godly gratitude — thankfulness for faith and the progress of faith in us and others.
Words of Grace 