The Thanksgiving/ Joy Connection

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Thanksgiving has to be one of the best American holidays ever. But do you know that Thanksgiving actually comes from the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles? Every autumn, the people of Israel would gather in Jerusalem bringing the fruits of their harvest for the year. They would give thanks to God for all His blessings. The Feast of Tabernacles was the festival of joy and thanksgiving. Notice, the Bible says, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks. The two are connected. If you want joy, then give thanks. The more you complain, the less joy you will have. When you don't give thanks, and you take your blessings for granted, you end up losing them. But when you give thanks, your blessings multiply. Don't let a day go by without giving thanks to God for His blessings. Bless the Lord, O my soul, forget none of His benefits, because the degree you give thanks will be the degree of your joy. Make your life a feast of Thanksgiving, and your life will become a celebration of joy.

From Message #491 - The Joy Command