While “thanksgiving” celebrations date back to the 1600s, it wasn’t until 1863 during the Civil War that Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that a national Thanksgiving Day would be held each November. As you observe this special time of year, here are some thoughts from Billy Graham on the topic of thankfulness.

“A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. Thank God in the midst of trials and every persecution.”

“We should not let a day go by without thanking God for His mercy and grace to us in Jesus Christ.”

“When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite ‘thank you,’ it is the recognition of dependance.”

“Why should we give God thanks? Because everything we have comes from God.”

“Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver.”

“This Thanksgiving, ask God to help you set aside the bad things that have happened this year, and focus instead on the good things He’s given you. The Bible says, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus'” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

“This year as we observe our season of thanksgiving, let us be grateful not only in word but also in deed. Let our gratitude find expression in a resolve to live a life more unselfish and more consecrated to Jesus Christ.”

“Even if you’re going through hard times, thank God for His presence with you. Most of all, thank Him for Jesus Christ, who gave His life so you could have the greatest gift of all — the gift of eternal life.”

Have you accepted this gift of eternal life? If not, let us tell you more about committing your life to Christ. This Thanksgiving, you can experience new life and have something eternal to truly be thankful for!