“With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and others specifically named, with the job description: ‘Give thanks to God,
for his love never quits!’”
1 Chronicles 16.41, The Message

It’s doubtful you recognize their names. No biblical book bears their moniker nor are any parents I’ve come across eager to christen their newborn after them. In fact you have probably never heard of these two men much less know any specifics or details about them. In truth they are among the more obscure characters in the entire Bible. Yet despite their obscurity their role was paramount.

In the great worship choirs of King David, these two men – Jeduthun and Heman – were specifically appointed to give thanks! According to 1 Chronicles 25.6, Jeduthun and Heman were under the direct authority of the king and were designated by name to give thanks. Can you imagine…your new job title is the Secretary of Thanksgiving or the Deputy Director of Thankfulness? But amazingly, this was their job!

But it’s our job as well. Throughout Scripture, the instruction is perfectly clear: “Give thanks to the Lord…” (1 Chronicles 16.34); “always give thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5.20); “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God” (Philippians 4.6) and “Rejoice always, prays without ceasing,   give thanks in all   circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5.16-18). It is impossible to escape the obvious mandate: it is the will of God that we be thankful!

It is not always easy to give thanks, though, is it? Yet this is precisely the thing we are commanded to do. Perhaps in your own life, right now, you are experiencing intense hardship or are  going through your own personal Great Depression. How can you be thankful in the midst of economic or relational adversity? How can you possibly muster the strength to express thanks this holiday season?

Here are four principles that may help you practice an attitude of gratitude in everyday life:

1. Don’t Confuse Emotions with Actions

We often put off being thankful because we don’t feel thankful. But your emotions are like the caboose on a train, not the engine. They follow, they do not lead! Don’t put off expressing thanksgiving just because you may not initially feel thankful. Thanksgiving is an act of choice, not an emotion.

2. Thank and Praise God for Everything in Your Life

Sure you thank Him for the “blessings,” the enjoyable things or the unexpected turns of great delight; but how about the difficulties, hardships or adversities you experience? Remember James’ counsel: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides” (James 1. 2 The Message). Thank Him for everything, even your difficulties. It is then you are able to experience His presence not just His presents!

3. Don’t Allow Yourself to Complain

During difficult times, be very careful to watch your attitude and your tongue. Instead of complaining, think of ways you can verbally offer God the sacrifice of Thanksgiving.

4. Don’t Compare Yourself with Others

Don’t wish that your life was different. God knows what is best. The Bible says having a thankful heart is God’s will for your life. When we begin to thank God for what we have rather than comparing ourselves with others, it will open the door for God’s richest blessings in your life.

As you and your family approach this Thanksgiving season, keep in mind it really isn’t a holiday, but an attitude! Choose to be a Heman. Decide to be a Juduthum. We have been appointed by the King to praise His name as we recognize His love, grace and mercy and thank Him daily.

Thanksgiving Blessings,

Dr. Greg Morris


 
Dr. Greg Morris serves as the founder and president of Leadership Dynamics™, a non-profit corporation committed to the training and development of leaders and their organizations. He has authored In Pursuit of Leadership: Principles and Practices from the Life of Moses.  For more information, visit LeadershipDynamics.org, LeadershipDynamics.wordpress.com or contact mail@LeadershipDynamics.org  You can follow Greg on Twitter at @LdshpDynamics