Thanksgiving Demands a Direct Object

I am always reminded when approaching the Thanksgiving holiday of certain wonderful truths about being thankful. Let's look at them this week.

First, thanksgiving demands a direct object.

If you think back to sitting in grammar class, you might remember learning how a direct object is a word or phrase that receives the action of the verb. For example, in the sentence, "I love Marilynn," the direct object is Marilynn. She is the recipient of my love.

In the Bible, the direct object of thanksgiving is always God.

All we have comes from him. Every aspect of our life is a gift. Family, friends, talents, jobs, homes. Even the way we think, our ability to feel, seeing the sunrise each morning. Thanks be to God, for every good and perfect gift comes from him (James 1:17).

We give thanks and praise to our Father from whom all blessings flow. He and he alone is the source of goodness.

The Doxology, one of the great hymns of the faith, says it this way. "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."

As we give thanks to God for our blessings this Thanksgiving week, let's remember why we do so.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).