Encouraging as were many developments among the Pilgrims, they experienced much sadness, but they suffered their way through to thanksgiving. Brimming over with gratitude as a result of bountiful crops in the summer of 1621–crops that produced more than enough corn to see them through their second winter–Governor Bradford declared a public day of thanksgiving, to which the Indians were invited in October.
Chief Massasoit was a remarkable example of God’s providential care for His Pilgrims. The chief and eighty-nine other Indians joined with the Pilgrims in feasting on venison, wild turkey, vegetables from their gardens, and pies. It was a joyous occasion for all, as they ate and then competed in games and merrymaking, and in prayer.
Even though they had endured great hardship, God had been good to them and they recognized this. More than two hundred years later, in 1864, President Lincoln declared a national day of thanksgiving, upon the persistent urging of a widow who had been pushing for this for several years. President Lincoln’s proclamation called for the nation to set aside the last Thursday in the month of November as a time of thanksgiving to Almighty God for all His blessings. Ever since, our country has observed this occasion.
While this is a distinctly American holiday, David, in the Book of Psalms, called for the people to “offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving; and pay your vows to the most High” (Ps. 50:14 AMP). In the flesh we look at circumstances instead of looking at God. Emotionally, then, it is hard for words of thanksgiving to come out of our mouths. This is precisely what is meant by offering a “sacrifice” of thanksgiving to God. We are, in effect, saying: “God, while I may not understand what’s going on right now, I give up my questions and complaints to you. I thank and praise You for who You are.”
In other words, thanksgiving is a choice we make. Just maybe the missing ingredient in your life is the choice to be thankful. Our God is a great God who responds to the thanks offering of His children.
That’s my view of things.