Thanksgiving is almost here. Thanksgiving is a time for family and food. Lots of it, turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. God has given us both family and food to enjoy, yet I believe there is something else He wants us to learn this Thanksgiving. It’s a lesson that is not just for one day of the year, but something you can practice every day. Thanksgiving is not meant to be about us, it’s meant to be about God. He’s the one that we are to thank. He’s the one that we are to be thankful to.
However, often it’s far easier for most of us to come up with things that are wrong in our life, than to thank God for what is right about our lives. Why should you be thankful? The Bible uses the word thanks 150 times, it’s not a small topic in the Bible. But you may say, Pastor, it’s so hard to be thankful, I have so many problems. Let me explain something about the Bible. It’s not just a rule book, it’s a manual for life. When you ask for God’s help and follow the Bible’s commands, you will be blessed. One of the blessings that comes from being thankful is being filled with joy. Think about it for a minute, are you more joyful when you are being thankful or complaining. The answer should be obvious. The more thankful you are, the happier you’ll be.
Today, we’re going to look at what the Bible has to say about “The Joy of Thanksgiving.” Do you want joy in your life? Then begin to put into practice the principles you’re going to learn today. Do you want joyful children? Teach them these principles. Do you want better relationships in your life? Who would you rather be around, someone who is constantly complaining about the dark side of life or someone who is optimistic and thankful? Learning to be a thankful person can transform your life.
Today our main text is Psalm 100, a short psalm of five verses which begins like this. NIV Psalm 100:1-2 A psalm. For giving thanks. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Notice the combination of joy, gladness and giving thanks. God doesn’t just suggest, He commands all the earth to give thanks and shout for joy to the Lord. This is not just for Sunday mornings, it’s not just for one day in November, no, it’s for every day of your life. I want my life to be full of joy and thanksgiving, and I know you want the same for yourself and your family. So how can you enter into the joy of thanksgiving?
To hear more about this topic, listen to my November 18, 2007 message entitled The Joy Of Thanksgiving