Thankful and Trusting

Throughout November, the topic of thankfulness is preached repeatedly. The word is often used in daily conversations by Christians seeking to remind themselves to "buck up," put on a smile, and show more gratitude in their faith. Others, without any belief in a sovereign authority, still feel slightly compelled to muster up appreciation for life as they prepare for the coming holiday. I have often wondered why someone who does not believe in God would observe such a day, as it is puzzling to consider to whom they are giving thanks.

You see, true thankfulness can only flow from a heart of trust—a trust solely and deeply rooted in the Lord. Consider the life of Job. He lost everything he owned, his health, his wife's support, and his friends, who became condemners instead of comforters. Yet, in the midst of the storm, Job declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15a). Are you thankful? Perhaps the first question to ask is: do you truly trust God?

In churches across America, many Christians enjoy singing the hymn "Count Your Blessings" in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, as it directs their minds to the many gifts God has given. But what of the famed hymn "It Is Well with My Soul"? The one who wrote this song lost his four-year-old son to scarlet fever and later lost four daughters in a shipwreck. As he sailed to meet his grieving wife, passing by the very waters where his daughters had drowned, he wrote: “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

How could he still offer a song of praise? How could his mind still rest on the promises of God? The answer is trust. His trust in God was unwavering. God is the anchor for our souls; our faith in Christ's victory, the power of His Spirit, and the promises of His Word form the chain that secures us to Him. Ultimately, a thankful and rejoicing life flows from a trusting and reverent heart. Hebrews 13:5-6 states: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have (Thankfulness), for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ (Trust)”