The Priestly Privilege of Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving.

Squeezed between Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving reminds us from Whom all blessings flow. Share on X

Thanksgiving helps us to remember, it’s bigger than us.

Thanksgiving helps us to remember, it’s not even about us.

Could there be any better prep for Christmas? A refocusing on the big picture before Christmas goes into full swing on Black Friday?

In 1 Chronicles 23, King David worked with the Levitical priesthood to organize the ministries of the Tabernacle and future Temple. Priest, gatekeepers, musicians—each had a role. One of the Levitical duties? Giving thanks and praise to God.

Every morning. Every evening. A daily Thanksgiving without the turkey and fixings.

In the New Testament, Peter and John refer to the church as a royal priesthood, a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10). Shouldn’t we praise God and give Him thanks every morning and evening too?

Sunrises and sunsets naturally bring praise and thanks to my mind. I catch them when I can. God’s color schemes inspire awe. But even without the splendor, the day’s start and end should bring us before God.

Mornings: Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) is a favorite morning verse, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Mornings bring a fresh start. Work to tackle. People to love. Opportunities. For what can you thank God in the morning?

Evenings: Darkness comes early now. It helps me shut down the day, take a deep breath, and put my work away until tomorrow. Evening brings rest. Quiet. A chance to be still. For what can you give God thanks in the evening?

If you find it helpful, catch a sunrise or sunset this week. Give thanks to God and praise Him.

For a new morning.

For the day’s accomplishments as evening comes.

Great is His faithfulness.

Workout for the Week: The Priestly Privilege of Giving Thanks

Memory Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

Meditation Passage: 1 Chronicles 23:28-31

Do It: Give God thanks every morning and every evening.