Lament or Give Thanks?

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.             Philippians 4:8

This time of year, when our thoughts turn toward turkeys and pilgrims as well as a promising NFL matchup between the Lions and Packers, we do well to also look at the intention behind Thanksgiving, one that resonates so well with our identity as followers of Jesus. Thanksgiving compels us to take inventory in our lives. Often times we become obsessed with what’s wrong. Those things take over. Scripture again and again encourages us overcome this inclination and instead give thanks to God.

You have a choice on what you can dwell on. Think about your life’s setbacks for a moment.  You could probably make a list of 10 things that are bad about it in about  three minutes: Financial difficulties, mistakes you’ve made, regrets, troubling relationships, health issues, career setbacks and so on. Listing what’s wrong isn’t a challenge. Everyone has this list handy.

Negativity is never far away. Just consider this little exercise suggested by writer David Foster Wallace: “The next suitable person you’re in light conversation with, you stop suddenly in the middle of the conversation and look at the person closely and say, “What’s wrong?” You say it in a concerned way. He’ll say, “What do you mean?” You say, “Something’s wrong. I can tell. What is it?” And he’ll look stunned and say, “How did you know?” He doesn’t realize something’s always wrong, with everybody. Often more than one thing. He doesn’t know everybody’s always going around all the time with something wrong and believing they’re exerting great willpower and control to keep other people, for whom they think nothing’s ever wrong, from seeing it.” ― David Foster Wallace, The Pale King.

The things that are wrong are always there, usually just-below-the-surface and we spend our waking moments aware of them. Listing life’s setbacks isn’t much of a challenge. Ruminating on that list would bring about all sorts of negativity and bad feelings. Some people get an odd sense of satisfaction from wallowing in their maladies. This thinking isn’t healthy. It affects the way we perceive all circumstances, tainting our outlook.

On the other hand, take a look at your life and list ten things you are thankful for.  Specificity is key.  Instead of saying “I’m thankful for family”, I’d encourage you to list why your thankful for family, such as “I’m thankful for family because they supported me through some tough times”. If you are thankful for your health, what is it that your health allowed you to do?  Go ahead and try to list ten.

If you are like most people, this list might take a little longer to generate. We are conditioned to see what’s wrong with matters. The aspects of our lives that are going well are easy to miss because, well, they are going well! The Thanksgiving holiday compels us to take inventory as to what is good in our lives. The Pilgrims (who were fervent Christians, by the way. That’s why they left England) suffered disease, famine, death, and countless hardships, yet had a feast dedicated to giving thanks for providence and safe passage to the New World.

Gratitude is inherently connected to God. When atheists are thankful, to what or where is that feeling generated?  It’s difficult for me to say. But for those who believe in God, gratitude is directed to the one who is our creator and redeemer. Fully embrace what this season has to offer in praise and thanksgiving. Dwell in the goodness of whatever bounty you have received. Christ has blessed us with the riches of his grace.

At our annual Thanksgiving meal on November 19^th,  individuals will be invited to share what they are thankful for. What would you say?

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jason Talsness