Thanksgiving in Kislev

Today is the first day of the 9th month on the Hebrew calendar.  It is significant that our tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving falls within this month--Kislev.  The Hebrew letter SAMEKH is a picture of trust, support and coming full circle and is associated with Kislev.
 
Since Kislev represents security and trust we should be paying attention to our relationship with the Lord and our level of trust in Him.  What better way is there to build our trust in the Lord than by giving Him thanks?  In his book A Time to Advance, Chuck Pierce says, "God gives us cultural holidays to help us enter our covenant holidays."  In celebrating Thanksgiving, we set aside time from our daily routines to give thanks to God for all that He has done.  We acknowledge His faithfulness in our lives.  As we acknowledge His goodness, we recognize that He is trustworthy, and we can enter a place of rest.
 
Giving thanks to the Lord and praising Him for His faithfulness leads us to peace and is a warfare strategy.  As we review the events of the past year, some of us will be reminded of the battles that we fought, and are still fighting.  We must embrace the truth that God is in the midst of the battle.  As the writer of Hebrews says, "He will never leave or forsake us."  He also says, "So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.'" (Hebrews 13:5-6) When Moses summoned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land he told him to be strong and courageous in order for the people to take their inheritance.  Deuteronomy 31:8 records the words of Moses:  "The Lord Himself goes before and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged."  In Joshua, Chapter 1 we read that God Himself repeats the words of Moses to Joshua.  He says, "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." 
 
There is usually a battle involved in anything worth doing.  We must fight for our inheritances.  This month of Kislev is meant to be one where we develop warfare strategies.  Not only is it associated with the tribe of Benjamin--the one gifted with the use of the bow--but also with the constellation Sagittarius (the archer).  Even the heavens speak to us about the season we are in and how to live fully in it.
 
As we give thanks to the Lord, we are agreeing with the Kingdom of Heaven in declaring the goodness of God.  As we recount His faithfulness, our vision improves, and we will have revelation of the way to battle for our futures.  Revelation brings rest and peace.  May I suggest that we be bold in our declarations of thanks during this month of Kislev and the season of Thanksgiving.  This is an offensive tact that brings us peace and delights the Lord.