With a grateful heart – Thanksgiving to God.
God is good toward us because of who He is, not because of who we are.
Humility is an essential prerequisite for thankfulness. This not only applies to our response to God, but also our response to others around us. An arrogant person is not a thankful person. Thankfulness recognizes that a debt of gratitude is owed to someone.
It is a common misconception that Thanksgiving Day is a time to commemorate when the Pilgrims celebrated a special feast with local Native Americans. While this event took place, it is not why presidents throughout American history have called upon their fellow countrymen to have a time of thanksgiving, and it is not why we celebrate Thanksgiving today.
George Washington’s Thanksgiving
George Washington was the first president to call for a national Thanksgiving to be held November 26, 1789. The Pilgrims and Native Americans were not mentioned in his proclamation. Instead, he begins it with:
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence [provision] of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor-and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
“I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all of Your wonders. Psalms 9:1
May God richly bless you and your loved ones this thanksgiving! To God be the glory!
