Canada and the island of Saint Lucia celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday in October. Liberia sets aside a day for giving thanks at the beginning of November, while the US and Australia mark the annual holiday at the end of the month. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Rwanda, and the Philippines, have unofficial days to foster gratitude.
There’s something powerful about a nation collectively expressing gratitude. It’s a picture we see when King David assembled the nation of Israel to give thanks to God for His presence, protection, and promises. The celebration marked the return of the “ark of God” (1 Chronicles 16:1). The people rejoiced that the ark, a symbol of God’s presence with them, was in Jerusalem. As David led Israel in praise, he reminded them of God’s protection as the nation conquered the land of Canaan (vv.18-22) and celebrated God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises (v. 15).
If you celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, consider making it a gratitude gathering and reflecting together on the ways you’ve experienced God’s presence, protection, and promises over the past year. Whether or not you live in a country that officially celebrates Thanksgiving, each of us can take time to express gratitude to the “Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (v. 34).
