Always Give Thanks

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

(Psalm 86:12)

Meditation

This is the time of year, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Our Canadian neighbors celebrate in early October. However, Thanksgiving Day shouldn’t be treated as just a day off from work and a chance to eat too much. It’s much more important than time off, lots of food, and football games on TV. It should be a time when we gather our thoughts about what we’re thankful for. It doesn’t matter what circumstance you find yourself in, you most likely have many things to be thankful for. It’s easy to forget to thank God for his provision every day but if we’re on this side of the grave, we have everything to be thankful for.

If you’re waiting for Thanksgiving Day to say thank you to God, you’re doing it wrong. Thankfulness should be an attitude you have in your heart, every day, all year long. Even when times are tough; no matter how terrible your life is, you can still be thankful for a Father in heaven who loves you unconditionally. The Father loves you so much, he sent his Son to die on the cross, taking our sins with him to the grave. If you can’t think of anything else in your life to be thankful for, thank God for sending Jesus. He was the greatest gift ever given by God and your gratitude should be evident to everyone you meet.

We can be thankful we live in a country where it’s not illegal for us to worship the one true God. We can be thankful for the body of Christ [our fellow church members] that we have fellowship with. If we carry the attitude of thanksgiving all year long it will show in our reactions to unfortunate circumstances. The people who don’t know Jesus, might be attracted to him because of our responses. Whether people see our reactions or not, God does. When we give thanks, no matter what’s happening, we are glorifying God and that’s what’s most important.

I’m mostly thankful for the beautiful lady my Lord saw fit to place in my life. I was floundering in loneliness when we met. I’m thankful for every day we have together. I just recently lost a good friend when he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. I’m extremely thankful that God brought him into my life. He had one of the sweetest dispositions of anyone I’ve ever met. I’m thankful that his spirit is now with the Lord. I’m thankful that I will see my friend again when I am called home. I’m thankful, when that day comes, I’ll have many friends there. I hope you will be too!

Prayer Time

Heavenly Father you have done so much for us, how can we ever forget to say, thank you? How do we go through life, experiencing all your provisions, and not be willing to express our gratitude? We have this time of year when we’re reminded to be thankful. However, some of us think the holiday, once a year, takes care of any obligation to say thank you. Too many of us look upon this time of year for the parties, the food and drink, and the sports on television. They overlook what the God of the universe has personally done for them. We pray their hearts will be softened, and they will see the light of the truth of Jesus Christ and the gospel he preached. But not only do we thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done for us, we also give you the glory for all we have. Thank you, Lord, for all the people in our lives. Don’t let us take them for granted for a single second. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and you can call us home at any time. Heal our broken hearts for loved ones lost this year and help us to turn to Jesus for comfort. It’s in his name, we pray. Amen!