Abundant Life Church

Juicy oven-roasted Turkey.

Creamy homemade mashed potatoes.

Delectable whip-cream-covered pie.

Those are the obvious reasons for celebrating Thanksgiving - it makes for some good eating.

But while we're stuffing our faces, let's not forget what this holiday is really about.

You can eat all the goodies, enjoy (or tolerate) your family, slip into a food-induced coma, and still miss out on the true purpose behind Thanksgiving.

If life is going well for you, giving thanks might come easily. But if you're struggling and 2011 hasn't been very nice to you, giving thanks probably isn't even on your to-do list.

I want to encourage you today - giving thanks can be the very thing that propels you into the blessings of God.

Paul instructed us in 1 Thess. 5:18 to "Thank God no matter what happens."

What? Thank God no matter what? Why would I want to do that?

Well, Paul thought we might respond that way, so here's what he said to the church in Philippi:

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Instead of worrying, you can trust in God's promises.

Instead of living fearfully, you can have confidence in Christ's strength.

Instead of carrying heavy burdens, you can rest in God's peace.

By praising God and shifting your attention off of your circumstances and focusing on His promises, you create an opportunity for God to be God in your life.

So before you devour all that Thanksgiving goodness, thank God for everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and let his peace grant you the comfort you need.