Crown Him with Thanksgiving

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! Psalm 72:18-19 (ESV)

Gratitude proclaims Christ as King and acknowledges who He is! Every day should be steeped in thankfulness and served to Him with a warm heart.

Being thankful is not just for the last Thursday each November. Google says this: Thanksgiving originated from a 1621 harvest feast shared by Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people, though it wasn't a national holiday until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it so in 1863. The folks at that first Thanksgiving had the right idea as they praised God and shared.

If we are going to crown Him with gratitude, we probably wonder what His crown looks like. I’d like to think it glistens in the sunshine and has dazzling gems of great value and beauty made of all offerings of praise since the beginning of time.

But let’s get real. The turkey dinner is over and the leftovers are all stored. The house is somewhat back to normal as the Christmas decorations begin to appear. Can you remember what you shared as the host went around the table asking what you were thankful for?

Maybe we should start again.

This is a brand-new day, so what are you thankful for? Is it health? Finances? Spouse? A wayward child has come home? A good job? A car that runs well? Friends? Family? Church family? God’s Word? Maybe it’s surviving turkey day with all the guests. This list is endless.

When have you spoken words of praise out loud?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your gratitude list with others (at the appropriate time). The more we talk about what He has done for us; it strengthens our faith; it also plants seeds for others.

How do we thank Him? Rattling off a list is not very exciting. Perhaps a worshipful song of praise is in order, or helping in a food kitchen, or a phone call to a shut-in. Any of these can bulk up your own gratitude list.

Christ deserves our praise and thankfulness. After all He has done for us, a crown doesn’t quite seem enough but that is what He prefers. Just say Thank You and mean it from the bottom of your heart.

A Song Offering Our Thanks to God

Loving Lord, we thank You for all Your blessings—even those we don’t recognize. Help our hearts become more thankful and to crown You with gratitude every day. AMEN.