Give Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

November 26 in 1789 marked the first time our country observed a holiday by presidential proclamation. The United States had no regular national Thanksgiving Day, although some states celebrated it yearly. In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as "a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father." Succeeding presidents issued similar proclamations until 1939, when President Roosevelt named Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.

It's easy to express thanksgiving to God when we're experiencing his abundant blessings. When we're struggling with trials and difficulties, however, our natural tendency is the opposite of gratitude. Yet God instructs us to be thankful in all circumstances. Setting aside time for thanksgiving every day is being obedient to God's proclamation.

-From The One Year On This Day by Dianne Neal Matthews; November 26

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