Now More Than Ever, Do Not Be Anxious, But Give Thanks

By 

Jay Sekulow

|
November 24, 2021

4 min read

American Heritage

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This Thanksgiving, it would be easy to feel angry rather than thankful. But that is why it is more important than ever to take time to reflect on the true meaning of this important holiday and our blessings as Americans.

In Philippians 4:6-7, the Scripture tells us:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Yes, we have a new Administration that, coupled with the rank and file of the radical Left, seems intent on shredding our Constitution and attacking religious liberty and traditional conservative values. But take heart that the battle is far from over, and your ACLJ is here, diligently fighting to uphold the victories we’ve won to defend innocent unborn babies, protect the rights of churches and believers, and save the persecuted all over the world.

It was during another tumultuous time in our nation’s history that our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln delivered his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863. President Lincoln knew even then that despite the tension and division enveloping our country, it was essential for Americans to give thanks for the many blessings provided by Almighty God.

As President Lincoln stated:

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, [tranquility], and union.

Like President Lincoln, even now when some might find it easy to be discouraged, I am ever thankful for the many blessings that the Lord has provided to our nation and to our families.

I am also deeply thankful for you – ACLJ members. Without your hard work, unending support, constant vigilance, and faithful prayers, we would not be able to do the work we do. We could not fight for the rights of persecuted Christians and the unborn.

As the new year approaches, we are preparing to redouble our efforts to fight the agendas of the Biden Administration and the radical Left in court – including the Supreme Court. We are the last line of defense against their attempts to eviscerate the Constitution, increase the power of Deep State agencies like the IRS to target Christians and conservatives, and expand the reach of the taxpayer-funded abortion industry.

But this Thanksgiving, do not be anxious, but give thanks and be grateful. I know that as I gather with my own family, thanking God for his many blessings for my family and our nation – I will also give thanks for you and every other ACLJ member for your steadfast support. On behalf of the entire ACLJ family, I wish you and yours a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

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