A Month of Thankfulness: The One From Whom All Blessings Flow

In this month of planning and enjoying the Thanksgiving feast, it seems fitting to begin with the Source of all our blessings. I grew up in a church that sang the Doxology week in and week out, along with "Amen" at the end. I took those words for granted, but now age has given me an appreciation for those traditions. It's a song where we can begin to examine thankfulness.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

A heart of thankfulness is necessary to keep life in balance and ourselves in perspective. It's recognizing that our lives are not an accident of biology. And understanding that we are not self-sufficient no matter how hard we try. It's not about our circumstances, but trusting the Heavenly Father. The One who made us and the world around us is intimately involved in His creation. He is the Source of everything that is good and perfect.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17
King David is an amazing example of the thankful heart. He was very public in pointing praise to God and away from himself. 

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near.
People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.  Psalm 75:1

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.  I Chronicles 16:8

Thankfulness turns our eyes on Him and away from ourselves. It keeps us close to the source of blessings, enjoying the favor of God. Who wouldn't want to live there?

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.  Psalm 31:19