Top Ten Reasons to Give Thanks

by Brian Bill
Published November 20, 2007

Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make it. Terrified, the one shouted to the other, “Put up a prayer, John. We’re in for it!” John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never made a public prayer in my life.” “But you must!” implored his companion. “The bull is catching up to us.” “All right,” panted John, “I’ll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.’”

Even when times are tough, we can find reasons to be thankful. In the midst of problems we can praise. If we remember that the pioneering Pilgrims suffered through a lot of hardship, making seven times more graves than homes, we too can practice the attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving season. Indeed, we can find joy in the junk of life because thankfulness is a choice.

Abraham Lincoln made this statement from his Thanksgiving Day declaration in 1863: “…To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God…It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 reminds us “to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That means that it’s not only possible, but in fact, if we want to follow God’s will, then it’s necessary to give thanks. If we pause to think, we’ll have cause to thank. It’s been my practice in November to come up with a list of reasons to be thankful. I’ve found that my list hasn’t changed much over the years. Here are my “Top Ten Reasons to Be Thankful” this Thanksgiving season.

10. I’m thankful that the men and women who founded our nation did so on their knees and with a sense of divine calling. I’m thankful for the freedoms we have to worship when believers from some countries face relentless persecution.

9. Though I’m a persecuted Packer fan from Wisconsin, I can think of no place I’d rather live than Pontiac.

8. I’m pleased to partner with a fine group of ministers who serve in this community and for the two pastors I have the privilege of serving alongside every day.

7. I’m appreciative for the impact that Pontiac Christian School has had on our daughters and for the excellent administration and teachers at PTHS. I’m also grateful that our daughters ask their mother for help with homework, especially when it’s Science or Math.

6. God has always met my needs for food, clothing and shelter as I’ve tried to put Him first in my life (Matthew 6:33).

5. I’m thankful for life itself, recognizing that every breath I take is a gift from God. This keeps me humble and mindful that I must live in order to leave a legacy.

4. I’m honored to serve a church that takes the Great Commandment (loving God and others) and the Great Commission (telling others the gospel) seriously. I’m especially thankful that most of them stay awake during my sermons.

3. I’m grateful for four beautiful daughters who have their mother’s great looks and personality. I’m thankful that they treat me like a hero even when I act like a zero. I especially like it when they call me “Daddy.”

2. Amazingly, God has allowed me to be married to my best friend. I still marvel that she said, “Yes” to me. She knows me better than anyone else, and yet still loves me.

1. I’m thankful for my college roommate who had the courage to challenge my beliefs and point me to the cross. I’m awed by the relentless love and glorious grace of Jesus Christ. I’m humbled that Christ saved me from my sins and that I’ll spend eternity with Him, not because I deserve it but because I don’t. I’m stunned that He loves me just the way I am but loves me too much to let me stay that way.

We can always find something to be thankful for, if we simply count our blessings. What’s on your top ten list? Hit the pause button this week and you’ll have cause to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!

(Pastor Brian is the Senior Pastor at Pontiac Bible Church.)

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