Do you notice that as Thanksgiving approaches we talk more about the ways we have been blessed? We fill social networks with words of gratitude; we are thankful for big things like improved health or a new job, and little things like the banana split we just consumed. Then, after Thanksgiving, we get busy again and talk less about our blessings. Worse yet, some of us slip into an attitude of ingratitude for the things we have, and begin to dwell on things we do not possess.
The Psalmist wrote about a nation of ungrateful people, the Israelites (Ps.78:12-13). They witnessed God’s mighty works in Egypt, his power over the sea, and complete destruction of the Egyptian army. Moses and the people sang, Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces (Ex. 15:6, 21). Miriam, likewise, led the women in song, Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously!
Yet, soon the Israelites began to grumble and complain (Ps. 78:18-20). They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” God told Moses to strike a rock. Waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed, but they continued to murmur. “Can He give bread also?” God rained down manna on them and men ate angels’ food. They cried out again, “Can He provide meat for His people?” God caused a great wind to drop quail on them like the dust, like the sand of the seas. Still, they were not satisfied. During the entire wilderness wandering, the Israelites tested God with ingratitude and disobedience. Each time God expressed his anger and disciplined them.
We would do well to learn from the Israelites. Beginning with salvation through Jesus Christ, we should be thankful for every good and perfect gift that comes down from the Father of Lights (James 1:17). God is generous, gracious, and good. He desires and deserves to hear thanksgiving from our lips every day of the year.
Today’s Verse: In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess. 5:18). Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever (106:1). We, Your people and sheep of Your praise to all generations (Ps. 79:13).
–Teresa Hampton
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. . . For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections…” (Rom. 1:21, 26, KJV).