Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving

One of the greatest benefits of life in the local church is a shared memory of our history and shared thanksgiving in the Lord’s manifold provisions. Seeing the church as a great cloud of witnesses provides storehouses of hope for trials and refreshing waters amid valleys. There is always a remnant, those elderly saints who have weathered the storms of the city, their own stories, and the stories of the church.

At the beginning of the summer, my pastor shared an application of such thanksgiving. He encouraged the congregation to start a gratitude journal, writing down five things they are grateful for each day—the challenge being to identify different things each day. This simple repetition of thanksgiving is a balm to the weary soul. It is strength training for the restless spirit.

God is always at work for us and for our good. Yet we do not always have the eyes to see. We need spiritual eyes that call us to look not for sameness but for the unique diversity found in the body of Christ, the gathered redeemed. The paradox of diversity within one body ultimately builds up each member, producing endurance and unity.

The psalmist provides many great examples of such a practice. This model does not ignore or diminish the dangers and fears that we face in this world (see Pss. 120–121). Rather, amid suffering, the psalmist lifts his eyes to the hills, calling, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Ps. 122:1).

Such a search for gratefulness creates an impulse to rejoice with others, insisting not on our own way but rejoicing with the truth. Shared rejoicing with brothers and sisters in the fight of faith allows us to see not only our own circumstances but God’s meticulous care for His people.

Further, rejoicing with others makes us vulnerable in our needs, bringing our cares into the light, into community. Sin has taught us to hide, and experiences have deceived us into believing that it is better to be alone. The Lord is faithful to remind us that we are never alone. He provides comfort by His Spirit and through faithful believers who do not neglect meeting, listening, and praying. These activities are a haven to which we return each Lord’s Day.

A practice of thanksgiving helps us to remember our humanity in a way that points to the good, the true, and the beautiful. Another tender pastor encouraged me with needed grace during some difficult days of early motherhood not to wait until it got easier but to come, limping if I had to, to Sunday worship. There I could see the saints stand to sing, hear the Scriptures read over me, smell and taste the supper, feel a warm handshake, and remember the steadfastness of the Lord.

Out of all of God’s creation, one thing will endure, and that is His church. It is built on an everlasting foundation. This is the taste of heaven, the foundation that allows us to “enter his gates with thanksgiving” (Ps. 100:4). May we strive to learn this well-fought history for thanksgiving and to be a part of the rest of the story.