Finding Thanksgiving Contentment in a Self-Seeking World by Christa Goodrich

The holidays have officially arrived! Immediately, I start to think about giving and getting gifts. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really NEED anything! I can sure think of plenty of stuff that I WANT! Then, when I check out all of the coupons and advertisements, I want more! I see something on sale, which is something that, I never knew I even wanted. It seems like, the more you want, the more, you’ll want more!

My kids are already going crazy over Christmas ads. “I want that car. I want that Barbie.” Even if they get everything they ask for, they’ll soon get bored of those things and desire the next popular thing that comes by. Isn’t that our nature? God drops us a wonderful house. Everything falls into place. We’re so excited, we’re so happy and thankful! Then, we visit our friend’s house, which has a bigger yard or a prettier kitchen, and we begin to desire, that.

Do you ever sense God whispering to you, will it ever be enough? Maybe, He’s really whispering, will I ever be enough?

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

I can imagine that God has His hands out in front of us, ready to give to us. We just put ourselves in the way of receiving what He has for us, because of our selfishness and greed. We should desire more and more of Him, who is the only one who can truly satisfy and fulfill our needs.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

I’ve heard so many times that we should count our blessings. Give thanks, for a house, a car, food, etc. Many people decide to give thanksgiving for these things, especially at this time of the year. However, sometimes they do it, without even recognizing God as the giver of them. Don’t you think that we, as Christians, should dig deeper than that, and really search our heart for God’s work in our life?

1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire.

We can dig deeper in thanksgiving by recognizing the beauty of the small things in life, while resting in the awesome big stuff. I’m talking about the mighty works of our Almighty God! The God of the Universe knows us by name and works out a house deal, just for us! The God of the Universe knows us by name and gives us strength to face another day of pregnancy pains, and kick that sciatic nerve! The God of the Universe knows us by name and loves us enough to protect us from the results of wrong decisions.

The God of the universe, loved us enough to GIVE us the ultimate gift of His Son! The simple fact of knowing God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, takes the place of any earthly treasures we could ever dream up.

I’m going to challenge myself and challenge anyone reading this to take time this season to thank God for things He has done, just for you. So, that means, not only thanking God for a house, but thanking Him for His presence in this house or for His guidance in finding this house, or for the family He is growing in this house. This might, even mean, thanking God for the floors of the house, while you’re cleaning them. I’m learning that thanking God in everything, brings true contentment. It’s not all about me. It’s about Him!

At this Thanksgiving season, I want to thank God in every area of life. But, most of all, Lord, thank you for saving me. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

A Thanksgiving Activity to do with your family, that can last a lifetime...

What you need: A Jar (That’s IT!)

You may be wondering Wow!? That sure is creative! Read on… The creative part of it involves your unique experiences with God.

Some people like to call it a Jar of Blessings or a Thanksgiving Jar. Whatever you choose to call it, I pray, that you will let it be a jar to mark the mighty works of God in your life. You may choose to fill it with rocks, marking a story with a date. Or, you may want to add other things, like a baby bootie, a wedding napkin, or a hospital band, etc. It’s like a scrapbook in a jar!

This is, not only, a great jar of memories for your family, but it’s also a great witnessing opportunity. You may want to place it somewhere noticeable, where a guest may ask, “What’s this?” Well, there’s your perfect opportunity to dump it out and start talking about God’s work in your life.