Deuteronomy is written as a farewell address by Moses. For forty years he has led the Israelites around and around in the desert. Most of the folks who came out of Egypt have died. A new, tougher generation has grown up. Now they are about to enter the Promised Land. Moses knows he can’t go with them. But before he dies, there are a few things he wants to remind them about: They are going into a land where they will “eat food without any shortage.” There will be abundant water, grains, vines, fruit trees, rocks for building, metal for weapons and tools. “You will eat, you will be satisfied, and you will bless the Lord your God in the wonderful land that [God has] given you” (ceb).

But what if they forget that it was God’s gift? What if they become arrogant and think, My own strength and abilities have produced all this prosperity for me? Think of the old New England farmer who got a visit from the new preacher. The preacher looked at the field full of corn between firm stone walls, at the snug house and barn, and enthused, “What a wonderful farm you and the Lord have made here!” “Ayuh,” said the farmer, “but you shoulda seen it when the Lord was working it by himself!”

Thanksgiving can be hard; it can be hard to squeeze out any thanks in bad times, hard not to forget about God as we congratulate ourselves in good times. “Remember the Lord your God . . .who gives you the strength to be prosperous” (ceb).