THANKSGIVING AS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to overlook the blessings that surround us. Yet the Scripture repeatedly calls us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 100:4 reminds us, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Here, thanksgiving is portrayed not merely as a fleeting emotion but as a deliberate act—a spiritual discipline that invites us into communion with God.

In this context, "thanksgiving" extends beyond the celebration that we usually have anytime something amazing happens to us, like promotion in the office, childbirth, and many other occasions that usually cause our minds to give thanks. It involves intentionally acknowledging and expressing thanks for both the big and small things in life, regardless of circumstances. It is about nurturing a mindset of appreciation, contentment, and humility, recognizing that all good things come from a God who cares for you in a manner you cannot even explain. Beloved, engaging in thanksgiving as a spiritual discipline involves regular practices such as prayer, meditation, writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly, or simply reflecting on the blessings that surround you. It is about cultivating an awareness of the abundance present in everyday life, even amidst challenges and difficulties. By making thanksgiving a part of your spiritual practice, you aim to cultivate a sense of inner peace, joy, and connection with God Almighty. Thanksgiving becomes a transformative force, shifting focus away from what is lacking or negative towards what is present and positive. This is exactly what David did, even when his enemies were after his life. Instead of David focusing his attention on his enemies’ evil plan to kill him, he was rather thanking God for the deliverance God was going to bring his way. This led David to increase his resilience, improve his mental well-being, and experience deeper spiritual growth. It promoted a sense of interconnectedness with others and with the world around him, recognizing that he was a recipient of God’s grace and goodness. This is the same spiritual discipline that we should engage in so as to overcome the troubles of this life. Meditate on this amazing and inspiring song composed by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897.