Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

There is much in our world, which causes us to be anxious. Natural disasters such as droughts, earthquakes, and flooding can be as devastating as the warfare, terrorist bombings and other abuses we inflict upon others and ourselves. Less violent anxieties – homelessness, lack of job opportunities, increasing numbers of incurable diseases – affect a great number of people. Is it any wonder that our prayers bring more concerns and petitions to God than thanksgiving? Surely with all that is going wrong in the world, God doesn't expect us to be thankful "in everything".

Perhaps it is possible. Living through a traumatic experience often helps us to discover what is truly important in our lives. We realize that the things we tend to desire the most – possessions, social status, money – are actually not as important as our relationships with God, with others, and with the world in which we live.

We have so much for which to be thankful! In the Elf Help Book entitled, "Keeping-up-your-spirits Therapy", Linda Allison-Lewis wrote: "Know that each day of your life is a gift. Have you thanked your Creator today?" On this Thanksgiving Day, may we be aware of our many blessings!

Prayer – Lord, it is easy to express our gratefulness on Thanksgiving Day. Help us to remember that our blessings are with us throughout the year! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: The quote from the Elf Help Book is used by permission. Elf Help Books are published by One Caring Place, Abbey Press, St. Meinrad, Indiana, USA.

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