In this season of thanksgiving, we remember the words of 1 Chronicles 16:34: "O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting." Rather than focusing on the trappings of the "big meal", we want to focus our hearts on the trappings of the thankful. The following men of faith expound the outworking of thankfulness in the believer's life.

1. We are drawn to God (Col 4:2)

Let us thank God heartily as often as we pray that we have His Spirit in us to teach us to pray. Thanksgiving will draw our hearts out to God and keep us engaged with Him; it will take our attention from ourselves and give the Spirit room in our hearts.
- Andrew Murray, The Prayer Life

2. We are humbled (1 Cor 3:21)

If we are proud of our talents we betray our lack of gratitude to God.
- John Calvin, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life

3. We find contentment (1 Thes 5:18)

Gratitude is a handmaiden of contentment. An ever-growing attitude of gratitude will certainly make us more content since we will be focusing more on what we do have, both spiritually and materially, than on what we do not have. But contentment is more than focusing on what we have.  It is focusing on the fact that all we do have; we have by the grace of God.  We do not deserve anything we have, materially or spiritually. It is all by His grace.
- Jerry Bridges, Transforming Grace

4. We don't worry (Phil 4:6)

The expression of gratitude is therefore a most blessed response to favors undeserved. While it lasts, worries tend to disappear, complaints vanish, courage to face the future is increased, virtuous resolutions are formed, peace is experienced, and God is glorified
- William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary: Galatians and Ephesians

5. We rely on God (Prov 28:26)

A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer's trust in the Lord and reliance of His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer's heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.
- John MacArthur, Grace to You, Newsletter, March 2009

Thankfulness produces a longing for God, humility, contentment, peace, and trust in the lives of believers. We hope these quotes encourage you to give thanks to the Lord for his goodness all year long. Happy Thanksgiving from the TMS family to yours!