By 
Gratitude Wins
Giving thanks is built into our cultural DNA. As children we learn the magic words: “Please and thank you”. The ability to recognize and appreciate the efforts of others is symbolic of a healthy society. Our entitlement culture wars against our heritage of gratitude. Let’s not take for granted the value of thankfulness. It is woven into our historical fabric.
Surprisingly, the known practice of gathering together occurred centuries before Jamestown. In the 1500s Spanish explorers sat down to feast with indigenous people, praising God for their safe travels and the possibility of life in a new land. Informally, through the ages, times of being together built intercultural relationships.
The Continental Congress instituted an official day for thanksgiving to God for His blessings. When the Constitution was drawn up, no day was established. Thomas Jefferson said he would not observe any day that was designed and codified to give thanks to God, because it would violate the separation of church and state. The observance of a religious day caused great consternation.
Interestingly, the issue broke apart North and South. The North wanted to follow the New England practice of a specific day set aside by the federal government. The South opposed it, advocating for any such celebration to be left to the individual states.
What we observe and celebrate as Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln. He appointed and set apart the fourth Thursday of November each year as “a day of thanksgiving and praise to the Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe.” Not until 1941 did it become a federal holiday.
Gratitude Makes Sense.
Physiologically: Hans Selye, the Hungarian/Canadian endocrinologist was known as the Father of Stress Research. He wrote the seminal study on the relationship between stress and illness. In his book Stress Without Distress (1974), he researched the nexus between emotions, attitudes, and the physical condition. He is often quoted: “Gratitude is the healthiest of all emotions. Gratitude conserved the vital energies of a person more than any other element tested.”
Gratitude has a long shelf-life and supports mental and physical strength. As followers of Jesus, we see the kindness of God as He designed praise and thanksgiving to be part of healthy living.
Relationally: gratitude is a social lubricant. Expressing gratitude is a bridge, one to another. Key to this interaction is the realization we need each other. The basic sin nature is grounded in self-interest, independence, and pride.
“How do you see gratitude in real life,” I asked a group of women. “We have two children: one appreciates everything we do. The other reacts to our efforts at relationship with hostility and indifference. It has taught me to value gratitude as I live with this conflict. I see light and sparkle in the eyes of the grateful one, while seeing nothing but darkness and emptiness in the other. Gratitude invites relationship; ingratitude builds walls.” You can imagine the ensuing quiet at the table.
Theologically: Thomas Jefferson’s objection to a federal day of thanksgiving points out the very essence of gratitude—bowing down to the agency of our great triune God. Constructing a barrier to shut out anything “religious” is proof of the essential nature of gratitude’s source. The reality of God is fundamental.
Gratitude Makes Us Grow
What does the Bible say about gratitude? We can be assured it is more than a social courtesy; it is an act of the soul. It isn’t an option for the maturing Christian. 1Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances”. More than that, Ephesians 5:20 (ESV) admonishes us we are to be “giving thanks always and for everything to God”. IN ALL and FOR ALL.
During the late 1980s my journey was difficult. Each morning I walked, sang hymns, and prayed. When Thomas Chisholm’s great hymn line “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—Great is Thy faithfulness” came to mind, I recognized my circumstances were part of His provision. Yes, I learned to thank Him “IN all things”, but even more critical was my willingness to thank Him “FOR all things”.
The English Standard Version (ESV) lists hundreds of references to the words “gratitude” and “thanksgiving”. The majority of them are found in the Psalms. From ancient days our theology of gratitude was passed from one generation to another through music. We are instructed in worship, taught in the way, and encouraged in our walk.
In the late 17th century hymnist Thomas Ken gave us these words:
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
The composer intended us to speak gratefully of God’s glory.
In 1986 Don Moen published a praise song simply titled “Give Thanks”. The chorus is imprinted on my brain: “Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son.” A doxology, indeed.
Gratitude Makes A Difference
Several years ago a digital glitch resulted in an invitation’s being sent for Thanksgiving dinner at my house to a couple I would never have imagined inviting. Years of hurt and loss created a separation which I wholeheartedly supported. Nonetheless, it was done! I planned the dinner, decorated the table, and prayed for strength. Doing well, I was praising God and feeling very spiritual (probably self-righteous).
It came time for the final table details. I pulled out the place cards I carefully chose months before. “I am thankful for _______” and those words jumped out at me. The knee jerk response was to remove them from the table. But the Spirit put His foot down on that. I picked up the marker and slowly lettered names on each one, declaring my thankfulness. Finally, the last two were in hand. I looked at “I am thankful for______” and I filled in the names. Just as I completed them the power of gratitude overwhelmed me.
I didn’t dance and sing, but I did recognize what God had done. He had turned years of locust devastation into fertile soil for His work and His glory. As I inscribed the cards I thought about my name being written in His book of life. How could I withhold gratitude when He gave His Son and wrote my name on eternity’s place card for the marriage feast of the Lamb? Gratitude won!
During this season of appreciation, gratitude, and thanksgiving, let’s see the magnificent way He has designed us for health, relationship, and worship. Let’s sing to our great triune God!
“How can I say thanks for all you have done for me?
Things so undeserved yet you gave to prove your love for me.
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude.
All that I am or ever hope to be I owe it all to you.
To God Be The Glory…”
—Andrae Crouch, “My Tribute.”
Brenda Smith
Brenda A. Smith lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Her work as President of the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute creates opportunities for Christians to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God.” She is currently a Womenary board member and a Womenary student since 2012. Observing God’s life lessons in the everyday gives her a love for illustrations which bring His truths home. Her colorful seasons of life: marriage, mothering, divorce, business, caregiving for parents, and non-profit leadership. Music, reading, writing, and most of all – family(including 9 grandchildren) are sources of joy. Encouraging women to truly see His sovereign hand even in the darkest days and trusting in His goodness is her heartbeat. 
