Thanksgiving is almost here, and many Christians (myself included) enjoy the reminder to “Be Thankful.”

But, why do we need that reminder? Why don’t we just live in a constantly thankful manner? Why do we find it more easy to complain than to be thankful?

The dissatisfied, complaining spirit oozes from my kids.

“Why did HE get that toy instead of me?”

“Why do I have to go to school?”

“Why don’t these people speak English?”

“Why did you make potatoes instead of pasta?”

“Why can’t I color now?”

“Why can’t I throw rocks?”

We always want what we don’t have or what isn’t ours to do. 

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:14

As an adult, I’m often more sophisticated in my complaining. Instead of directly asking why I can’t have something my way, I tell a great “complainy” story about how “unjustly” I was treated at such and such a store or by such and such a person, or how “unreasonable” a certain restriction or government law is that I must now find a way to obey, or how ridiculously rebellious my kids were today.

It’s the mindset of: “Oooh, I’m SUCH a victim!” or “You wouldn’t understand because MY situation is so much worse than yours!”

It’s time we stop our complaining (sophisticated or not) and remember what God says our attitude should be.

Don’t just “endure” your trial, but be thankful for it. “Count it all joy.” 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4

God knows what He is doing in your life. He is teaching you more about Him. He is trying to make you more like Christ.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted,

    that I might learn your statutes.”

Psalm 119:71

He is in control, and He is good.

So, whether your “affliction” is grave or whether it’s as light as your kid finding and eating your last piece of chocolate, “Count it all joy.”

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

    to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

    and your faithfulness by night.”

Psalm 92:1-2

Now, it’s time for me to work on having a happy, “thanks-giving heart,” not just a “Happy Thanksgiving Day.”

smb