All of God’s children must overcome the temptation to allow God’s sovereign provision of our needs to be overshadowed by the pleasure of our bounty and blessings—especially during this very American celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. Here are some of the original thoughts.
George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;...a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:
Now,...I do...assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be;...
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;...to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best....the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789.
(signed) G. Washington.
Remember the ThanksGIVING
Scripture refers to various ways to express our “offerings” of thanksgiving.
- Singing: “To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever” (Psalm 30:12).
- Recalling God’s creation: “We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near” (Psalm 75:1).
- Remembering those who have helped us: “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (Colossians 1:3).
May this Thanksgiving season be one of great thankfulness to Him for His great blessings and a rededication to use His bounty to please Him and serve others.
Adapted from Dr. Morris’ article “Thanksgiving” in the November 2003 issue of Acts & Facts.
* Dr. Morris was Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Creation Research.
