How to Biblically Prepare Thanksgiving
Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.Leviticus 19:9-10
9 “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. 10 And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.
What do you think of during the fall season? Cooler weather, pumpkin spice, turkey, black friday deals, or visiting relatives? Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying or being excited for these things, as Christians we should enter this season of Thanksgiving with a heart of gratitude for the Lord. By reflecting on the blessings God has given us, we gain a better understanding of His presence in our lives and how we can pour out those blessings to those who are less fortunate.
God states that there will always be those who are less fortunate in our society (Deut. 15:11), however, it is our duty to remember the poor and follow Jesus’ example of serving those in need. But how do we do this?
There are three things we need to do as Christians to biblically prepare for Thanksgiving.
1. Sing praises to the Lord.
Psalm 30:4, 69:30, 95:2, 106:1. Eph. 5:19-20.
The bible shows that throughout God’s interactions with us, he is pleased when we glorify Him. One of the ways he enjoys our praise and adoration is through song. If you feel like you are not vocally talented or musically oriented, do not fret.
Have you ever received good news about something you were waiting for a long time? Or made an achievement in your field, hobby, or goals that you were excited for? I hope you have felt like I have and wanted to shout out loud! That is the essence of what our Father desires. Not the action of singing or making a noise, per say, but the heart of overwhelming gratitude and joy. However, it is clear to us from these passages that expression is important in our lives as Christians. It is not enough for us to accept Jesus as our Lord in our heart, we must also confess with our mouth as well.
So in this season, as you reflect on the blessings God has given you, sing or make a joyous noise to the Lord!
2. Recount reasons why we are thankful for God.
Psalm 9:1. Isaiah 63:7
Recounting is not the same thing as remembering, it is a step further. Singing or making a joyous noise is an expression that can be used to help emphasize, but it is important to tell others of how God is present in your life. What good is it for a lamp to shine brightly under a bowl, where no one can see? As we recount and share the impact God has made in our lives, it is again important to not focus solely on that job promotion or the new birth of a child, but we must instead bring first our attention to how God has made those events possible. Focus on how the Lord provided the opportunities in our lives, not in a reciprocal or merit based way, but due to His overwhelming grace and love. These recounting stories that we share can be used by the Spirit to spark a curiosity about our Father God in those who have not met him yet.
For ourselves, recounting allows us to place a blessing with an action, and creates totems of God’s fulfilled promises in our heart that help us endure in times of trial or struggle. By remembering and recounting the fulfilled promises in our lives, we can bolster our faith and seek God more and more.
3. Give special Thanksgiving offerings to the poor.
Deut. 15:7. Proverbs 14:31. Gal. 2:10
While it is great to thank God, recount his blessings, and enjoy the fruit that he has given you, never forget that you are one of the infinite multitude of God’s children. We are not above nor beneath one another. Although different, we are all connected through the blood of Jesus. Therefore, as one part of our Christian body experiences joy, we all are joyous; if one suffers, we all suffer.
It doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s eating or drinking, working, serving, lamenting, praising, we must do it all for the glory of God. God is glorified when we take on his character and follow his commands. So it’s imperative that as we work we not only give God’s portion first, but also leave a portion for the marginalized in our society (Deut. 15:7, Proverbs 14:31).
But how much should we leave for the poor? Do we give everything? Half? Although there isn’t a strict number attached to what we should portion out, here is some data to bring in some perspective. In 2023, Americans spent approximately 4.7% of their annual income on entertainment, roughly $3,635. On a global scale, those who are considered to be in extreme poverty make $2.15 a day, summing up their annual wage to be $784. So on average, an American spends a little over 4.5 times the annual wage those in extreme poverty need to use to survive, for entertainment. How many lives could be sustained if even one portion, $784, was used out of the $3,635?
Pastor Daniel states that we need to set aside a portion of our income for a special Thanksgiving offering to the poor, just as God has commanded us. It is difficult to put a minimum number on what should be offered, and depending on your financial situation, it would be unreasonable to set a specific monetary value to the thanksgiving offering. Instead, Pastor Daniel challenges us to offer up 1% of our annual income. This offering is not a part of your tithe or weekly offering, it is a separate sum, set apart for the purpose of remembering the marginalized in our society and supporting them.
So as we enter this season of Thanksgiving, may our hearts be full of gratitude. Let us reflect on the blessings God has placed in our lives, and sing out songs of praise and make joyous noises. When we see our friends, family, strangers, and acquaintances, let us recount to them the bounty God has blessed us with, share those blessings, and invite them to meet with our Lord. As we toil on this earth, let us not only honor God but remember those who are less fortunate and set aside a portion of our harvest for them.
Reflection Questions:
What are some things you are thankful for this year? Can you clearly recount the circumstances, your emotional state, and how God had moved in that blessing?
Is there anything that stops you from giving to the poor? Has your stance changed after hearing that God does not suggest that we set a portion of our harvest for the poor but commands it?
Reflection:
This is personally my favorite time of year. It is wonderful to see everyone in a thankful mood and excited for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. However, I was convicted by my heart towards the marginalized of our society. While I find it easy to praise God, reflect on the good He has done in my life, and recount my blessings with others, I tend to struggle more in not only giving to the poor but also remembering them and their condition. I believe for me, it lies within a fear of security. Although I have my hope in Christ and I know God will provide for me, just as he does for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, the truth of the matter is I am attacked by doubt or uncertainty when it comes to finances. I am not sure if it’s just me, or the pressure society has placed on men to aim to be breadwinners of their home.
Regardless, this mentality has seeped through and I have subconsciously thought in the past that the poor can get themselves out of poverty with enough effort; an immature and incorrect thought. In the end, it wasn’t just my distrust of the poor, but rather my selfish desire to withhold my money. That is why it was a struggle for me before to give offerings to the church on a regular basis.
Fortunately, through prayer and grace given to me by God, I have grown to become more consistent in giving offerings to the church. I was only able to do this by asking God to guide me, meeting with him consistently, and sharing my struggle with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for me. If it was that difficult to give to God, who is almighty and great, then see how much harder it is for me to give to the poor.
I repent of my judgemental view. I want to obey God’s command to remember the poor in our society and set aside a portion of my income for them. I pray to God that He will continue to use his Spirit to work in my heart and release the selfish desire I have to keep all that I have earned.
