Unpack This...Living With ThanksgivingSample

Being A Thankful Sports Fan

During the 2020 pandemic, sports fans had to endure sports on hiatus and eventually returning without a crowd in the stands. Although this was a weird and unprecedented year, we hopefully have more appreciation for what watching sports bring to our lives.

I know how much I love sports, and although part of me enjoyed the break we had, I have a new appreciation and don’t want to take for granted the fun of watching games. I want to be thankful for having an outlet that provides excitement and camaraderie with my friends.

But even more importantly than that, I want to live a life marked by thanksgiving in all areas. Thanksgiving is a noun that means, “The expression of gratitude, especially to God.” The definition of expression is “The process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings.”

So, are we living with thanksgiving as we express gratitude to God and make known our thoughts and feelings about Him? Instead of taking his love for granted, are we filled with awe, wonder, and deep appreciation for what Jesus did on the cross and how He’s transformed our lives?

If we understand who God is and what He’s done for us, thanksgiving will be the result. The Bible talks a lot about thanksgiving and often includes the word “with” before it. We are to live “with” or be accompanied by or possess thanksgiving wherever we go.  

The following verses in Psalms (emphasis added) remind us that our lives should be an “expression of gratitude to God.” 

“Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise” (Psalm 95:2).

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).

“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69:30).

Today, whether we’re working, playing, dealing with life’s struggles…or even watching sports, let’s do it all with thanksgiving. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come before You with thanksgiving. Please help me not to lose sight of Your character and Your amazing work in my life. I pray I’d express my gratitude to You and show others just how thankful I am for You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.