It’s that time of year again – time to cook, eat, shop, and swirl about in a frenzy of holiday activity. Out of all that time, we set apart one day of the year to give thanks to all God has given us – a day synonymous with feasting, football, and Black Friday sales – Thanksgiving Day. Amid all the activity, we have forgotten what it means to be truly thankful for our many blessings.
The Bible admonishes us time after time to be thankful. "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5).  King David knew the importance of giving thanks. When we give thanks, we also give praise to God. Even when trials and tribulations swirl around us, we can be thankful knowing we have an all-powerful God who will answer our prayers. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). Although it is difficult to be thankful for trials and tribulations, we cannot climb the mountain to victory until we walk the valley of defeat.
As we enter another holiday season, let us take a moment to reflect on God’s majesty and be truly thankful to Him. "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come” (Rev 11:17).