This is the time of year in both the United States and Canada when we celebrate a special holiday—Thanksgiving. As the day approaches, our thoughts begin to turn toward family and friends. But we must be careful that we do not allow Thanksgiving to become just another day when we gather with our loved ones to feast and watch football games. We need to remember that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God.

The Bible gives us scripture after scripture on the subject of thanksgiving. Psalm 100:4 (NKJV) tells us, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” And Colossians 1:12–13 says, “Giving thanks unto the Father . . .  who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

As we approach this time, we should do so with thanksgiving in our hearts because God has given us so much. But I believe we can’t have a true attitude of thanksgiving if we are not reaching out to those who are less fortunate than we are.

This Thanksgiving, many people will sit down to eat a meal while their hearts are crying out. They will not be enjoying the benefits of this great salvation God has given us. There will be no joy of thanksgiving in their hearts.

If you and I had not learned the truth of God’s Word, God only knows where we would be today. We need to thank Him every day that Jesus Christ was born, that He died for our sins, and that He rose again. Every day we should thank God for His amazing grace.

Thanksgiving should not be something we celebrate just one day of the year. Thanksgiving with God is 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 60 minutes an hour, and 60 seconds a minute. With every tick of the clock, with every breath we breathe, we should have thanksgiving in our hearts.