Last year, sports fans had to endure sports on hiatus and crowdless sporting events. As we remember how challenging it was not having sports, I think most of us have more appreciation for what they bring to our lives.
Even though part of me enjoyed the break, I have a new perspective and don't want to take for granted the value of sports. I now realize having an outlet that provides excitement, fun, and camaraderie with my friends makes me thankful.
Fans who don't have the proper gratitude towards sports are the ones who tend to have a negative view as they talk about what’s wrong with every team, league, or game instead of mentioning the good things that sports bring.
However, when a fan is thankful for the opportunity to watch a game or be at a game, their attitude changes as they discuss sports with thanksgiving.
But even beyond our sports viewing, what if we lived a life marked by thanksgiving in all areas?
Thanksgiving is a noun that means, “The expression of gratitude, especially to God.” The definition of expression is “The process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings.”
The question I have for us today is if we're living with thanksgiving by expressing gratitude to God?
Instead of taking His love for granted, are we filled with awe, wonder, and deep appreciation for what Jesus did on the cross and how He’s transformed our lives?
Do we acknowledge with gratitude all that He did and continues to do for us, that we could never do?
If we understand who God is and what He’s done for us, thanksgiving will be the result. We will praise God in all circumstances, tell others how grateful we are for Him, and approach life much more positively as we see the good things all around us.
The Bible talks a lot about thanksgiving and often includes the word “with” before it. We are to live “with” or be accompanied by or possess thanksgiving wherever we go.
The following verses in Psalms (emphasis added) remind us that our lives should be an “expression of gratitude to God.”
“Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise” (Psalm 95:2).
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).
“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30).
Today, let’s have a heart of gratitude and appreciation for God in every area of our lives. Whether we're working, playing, dealing with life’s struggles…or even watching sports, let’s do it all with thanksgiving.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come before You with thanksgiving. Please help me not to lose sight of Your character and Your amazing work in my life. I pray I’d express my gratitude to You and show others just how thankful I am for You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What does it look like for you to live with thanksgiving?
How can you explain or express your gratitude for Jesus today?
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