Thanksgiving and Peace

by Dan Bouchelle

Turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce. I love them all! Thanksgiving may just be my favorite holiday. Christmas has become a commercial nightmare that makes my life hectic and stressful. Easter, filled with the deepest meaning for Christians, has been taken over by bunnies and eggs. Patriotic holidays, like Independence Day, are fun, but focus on human acts, not those of God. But Thanksgiving still seems true to its original purpose (football not withstanding). Thanksgiving is a time to relax with family, enjoy God’s blessings with a good meal, and remember how good God has been to us.

Few things in life are healthier than the act of being thankful. When we stop and think about all that is good and right in life, joy increases, complaining stops, and our attitude toward everything gets better. Maybe most important—stress levels go down.

I think this is why Paul told us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer is a wonderful blessing that can be a tremendous stress reliever. But I have found that to really receive the peace Paul talks about, I must add the oft- forgotten part about thanksgiving. When I not only tell God what is wrong that needs fixing, but also tell him what is right that I appreciate, my spirit is calmed and my faith is strengthened. I am able then to believe God’s promises to take care of what is bothering me, just as he has blessed me in so many other areas.

I have learned I cannot be thankful and anxious at the same time. I simply cannot be thankful and grumpy or thankful and angry. As a matter of fact, when I am filled with thanksgiving, I can hardly avoid feeling joy no matter what is going on. Because of all the blessings God has given us in Christ Jesus, I always have plenty to be thankful for no matter how my week is going. Thanksgiving and peace go together just like Thanks-giving and a piece of pie. So whenever you are tempted to get frantic, anxious or upset, remember, thanksgiving brings peace.