WHEN THE TABLE IS FULL

There is something about a full table that makes us feel at home. We gather around a meal, enjoy time with family and friends, and for a little while set aside the concerns of the day. Yet I wonder whether we sometimes become so accustomed to having food before us that we forget to thank the One who has provided it.

Before Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded them, "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee" (Deuteronomy 8:10). Notice that Moses spoke of giving thanks after they had eaten. The point was

not a particular moment or a required phrase. It was that God's people should remember Him, especially when their needs were met. The danger was that prosperity would make them feel self-sufficient and forget the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:11–18).

For many years, it was customary in our homes and communities to "say grace" before eating. In many families, it was simply expected. I fear that we are gradually losing that practice, even among Christians. Yet the concern is not merely whether someone pauses before picking up a fork. A prayer repeated without thought can become little more than a habit. What concerns me is the possibility of losing the grateful heart that ought to be behind it.

Jesus gave thanks before distributing food to the multitude (John 6:11). Paul gave thanks to God before eating in the presence of others during a dangerous voyage (Acts 27:35). Moses reminded Israel to bless the Lord after eating. Paul also taught that food should be received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4–5). Whether we give thanks before a meal, during it, or afterward, there is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge God's goodness. We should not turn the timing into a test of faithfulness, but neither should we let that freedom become a reason to neglect gratitude.

In Matthew 6:24–34, Jesus reminds us that our heavenly Father knows what we need. He points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, teaching His disciples to trust God's care rather than be consumed by worry. Those words do not mean every Christian will always have a full pantry. They remind us that our Father knows us, cares for us, and deserves our trust. James likewise tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope we will carry that spirit into our homes. Let our children hear us thank God sincerely. Let our prayers be more than familiar words spoken out of routine. And let our thankfulness be seen in the way we share what we have with others.

A full table is a wonderful blessing, but the greatest blessing is that through Jesus Christ we can call God our Father. May we never become so busy enjoying His gifts that we forget to thank the Giver.

~ Casey Clement