The air turns cool (well, everywhere but the South), the leaves change color, and we start to dream of turkey. On Facebook, gratitude fills people’s posts as they complete the Thanksgiving challenge. I enjoy reading those statuses, celebrating the little and big blessings in my friends’ lives. Other times, thirty day thankfulness challenges pop up on social media.

Thankfulness is not an emotion we need to explore every once in a while. It is a call to action. We are commanded to give thanks to the Lord, even when we don’t feel like it. Thanksgiving shifts our focus to God and off of ourselves. More than that, it is a sacrifice. We take all our wants, needs, and problems and lay them on the altar. Literally, sacrificing ourselves, so that we can fully concentrate on God. Whatever is on your mind today, I urge you to sacrifice it this morning and go into worship with a mind fully devoted to Jesus Christ and all he has done for you.

Both of these verses from Psalm 50 dictate the sacrifice of thankfulness. I’ll attempt to memorize both this week.

“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14 NLT

“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23 NLT