ThankFULL
“Let them sacrifice thanks offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy."- Psalm 107:22
One of our Thanksgiving traditions that has been as much a staple as turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie, is the pre-dinner time of going around the table so that each family member can express what they are grateful for from the past year. As you might imagine the list is filled with the special people, precious memories, major achievements, and meaningful breakthroughs that fill one's life to overflowing.
Over the twenty-five plus years I have walked with Jesus, gratitude has been one of the most important lessons in helping me trust God, maintaining a humble heart, and following the life of my Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible has many instructions and reminders for us when it comes to being a "thankful" people:
Psalm 136:1- "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever."
I Thessalonians 5:18- "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 69:30- "I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving."
I Corinthians 15:57- "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
In today's climate our culture has a difficult time cultivating gratefulness. With the ever growing social media outlets available there are many more forums for people to visibly and angrily express their displeasure, their views, what offends them, and even relational "beefs". When you add to this the fact that people seem more entitled than ever before, we seem to have an alarmingly growing rate of complaining, arguing, and discontentment taking place. Over the last week I have spoken to two different customer service technicians who made it a point to say how impatient and mean people can be when they aren't getting what they want.
This Thanksgiving week I would like to share some of the blessings God abundantly provided to make this heart tremendously thankful:
I am thankful for my family!
"Thank you Father for an amazing wife to share love and life with and watching my kids grow based on God's special design for each of them."
I am thankful for my church!
"Thank you Lord for a wonderful group of brothers and sisters I get to share life with, grow in faith with, and advance on this exciting journey towards our new property."
I am thankful for my friends!
"Thank you Lord for the people in my life who always provide support, wise counsel, walk with me through challenging times, and inspire my faith!"
I am thankful for my health!
"Thank you Jesus for sustaining and touching my life to bring me through a difficult summer season of illness and sleeplessness."
I am thankful for my neighborhood!
"Thank you Lord for placing us in such a beautiful and peaceful community. Thank you for allowing us to know our neighbors and share your love to them."
I am thankful for my future!
"Thank you Lord that you have a path that is right and a future that is perfect. I trust in your leading and providing each and every day."
I am thankful for my salvation!
"Thank you Jesus for your great sacrifice in dying for my sins, for your great love in redeeming my life and bringing me to the Father, and for your great victory in rising from the grave to provide eternal life."