Today’s Devotional: “Thanksgiving Treasure”

Thanksgiving is the only national holiday that doesn’t celebrate someone’s birthday, an anniversary, or a battle. It’s unique in that it’s a day set aside for America to give thanks to God.

On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation.

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–and … 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.”

As we come together this Thanksgiving, let’s remember the true meaning of the day.

But what are we thankful for? Most would say they’re thankful if they’re healthy, have money in the bank, are surrounded by loving family and friends, and if there’s food on the table.

But all thankfulness should begin and end with God. No matter what, we should be thankful as believers in Jesus Christ that we are His, that He reigns in our hearts and lives, and that His kingdom is one of grace and mercy that has no end.

I think this was at the heart of the Psalmist’s Thanksgiving song.

“A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 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)

So, let’s allow God to be our Thanksgiving treasure.