The beautiful hymn, “We Plow the Fields,” is often sung in the United States during the Thanksgiving holiday period in November. For me, it conjures images of families sharing a traditional feast during the harvest season.

But I was surprised when I heard it sung in church during the month of June, far removed from its traditional holiday context. It reminded me that giving thanks to God for His goodness and provision is to be a continuing celebration for His people.

For a special occasion of national celebration, King David wrote a song to guide his people in praising God on that day: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! . . . Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!” (1 Chronicles 16:8,10). But the song endured as part of Israel’s songbook of ongoing praise (Ps. 105:1-15).

Two centuries ago, Matthias Claudius wrote:

We thank Thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good;
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food;
No gifts have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts
But that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.

We have so much to be thankful for every day. God continually provides for all our needs. So let’s make Thanksgiving a year-long celebration.  — David C. McCasland