*Today I'm writing at Momma Theologians, head on over to read the whole article here!
Today is a public holiday to commemorate a bountiful harvest, unite cultures together, and recount the blessings of a year gone by. Sitting among loved ones today, or wherever you are in the world, we’re reminded to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving.
In these times of heightened anxiety and depression, a practice of gratitude is especially vital. Gratitude is well researched to improve our mental health and well-being, but it’s not only positive psychology, it’s the Lord’s instruction for us. He admonishes us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess 5:18), to thank Him in whatever we do (Col 3:17), and to practice thankfulness in each day He’s made (Ps 118:24).
Truth: Giving Thanks is an Act of Worship
When I cook a favourite family meal, my children may give an exuberant, “thank you Mommy!!” I’ve provided for them something they need, but also what they want and enjoy. On another night, the meal isn’t on their top 10 list, and not only do I encounter the lack of an enthusiastic response, I’m offered grumbling instead; I’ve provided something they need, but not what they want.
Journeying through the wilderness, the Lord gave manna for the Israelites (Exodus 16), a source of sustenance in answer to their complaints before God. However, it became a thorn of ongoing discontentment - though they needed the daily nourishment, it became a serious aversion- it wasn’t what they wanted. Instructed by the Lord, Moses keeps a portion of manna in a jar, placing it inside the ark as a testimony to the generations of His good provision for His people.....[Read the rest of the article here].
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