Time To Give Thanks

On this Thanksgiving weekend, what are we thankful for?  Yes, tomorrow is officially Thanksgiving Day here in Canada but we are instructed in the Bible to give thanks on more than one day of the year.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever.  Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.  His faithful love endures forever.  He remembered us in our weakness.  His faithful love endures forever.  He saved us from our enemies.  His faithful love endures forever.  He gives food to every living thing.  His faithful love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His faithful love endures forever. 

Psalm 136:1, 4, 24-26

Twenty-six times in 26 verses in Psalm 136, the ancient church sang to God with the words, "His faithful love endures forever."  We've noted just a few of them in the quotation above. 

These people were doing something that people have discovered is uplifting – making a gratitude list.  Being thankful is a practical and reliable way to retrain our thoughts and encourage our hearts.

We can look at our natural environment and give thanks for the new things we see each day.  We can give thanks for the ability to see and hear and feel and taste.  How many people around us lack the ability to do one or more of these things? 

Our family of origin may be challenging, but we can give thanks for the lessons we are learning that help us navigate those relationships better. 

We may not have much money, or any money at all, but we have clothes on our back and know places to find food today.  How many refugees and others in war zones have neither security nor daily necessities?  We are truly blessed. 

Heavenly Father, In life each of us has our own set of challenges and circumstances to face.  It’s not the easiest time in our world for many people but that’s all the more reason for us to take these moments and lift our hearts to You in gratitude for the many blessings we have. 

Thank You for life and breath, for Your loving presence with us in every moment of every day and Your great promises that show us a way forward.

You are good and give good gifts all the time.  Help us to become more conscious of Your goodness and blessings in our lives.  Amen 

Let’s make this a real season of thanksgiving shall we?  Have a great day.