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Why Give Thanks?

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded to give thanks.  In fact, George Washington set aside a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer on November 26, 1789.  Of course in America there were celebrations of thanksgiving long before that – the pilgrims that settled at Plymouth celebrated the “First Thanksgiving” in 1621.  As Americans, we certainly have much to be thankful for, and as Christians even more so. 

Throughout the scriptures, we are reminded to give thanks to God.  Certainly we are to remember the good things that he has done.  We are to appreciate the material blessings that he has given us.  But several times in the Psalms, we are told exactly why we should give thanks to God.  He is good.  Wholly, completely, unadulteratedly good and unable to be anything else.  Additionally, we are to be thankful to God because his love endures forever.  From the beginning of time until the end there has not been and will not be a single moment when his love for us has faltered or failed. 

Indeed God truly is the giver of every good gift.  As we count blessings and give thanks this holiday, let us remember not only the gifts and blessings we have, but the God who is good and loves us forever.