We celebrate Thanksgiving this week as a nation. George Washington was the first to set aside a day of national Thanksgiving in 1789. His proclamation began with these words:
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
How can you know that you live a life of thanksgiving. The Psalmist tells us that you sing loud.Psalm 107:22 says, “And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!” The word tell is to do so publicly and loudly. For many though we are too embarrassed to sing loudly, but the truly thankful person knows that it is their sacrifice of thanksgiving. A sacrifice is dead. We die to our pride to sing loudly and joyfully to the Lord. So if you want to truly live a life of thanksgiving, sing his praise loud.