Recognizing And Giving Thanks For Generous Gifts

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  (Psalm 107:1 NLT)

Why give thanks?  It’s a way to acknowledge the truth that God is our provider and that everything we have comes from Him.   If we ask Him, God will provide for our needs, whether it is the finances we need to meet the obligations of the day, or the strength to complete a task.  When we feel vulnerable or abandoned, God will defend and care for us.  God has promised to secure justice for us.

Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.  In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.  A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. (1 Chronicles 29:12, Psalm 68:5, Psalm 107:9, Psalm 140:12 NIV)

As we practice an attitude of gratitude, regardless of life’s situations, we will find contentment in the day before us.  God is always with us, we need never face our problems alone.  Knowing the truth that God is always with us produces stability and security within us.  We can confidently acknowledge that we have nothing to fear. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?  The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

Sometimes we get distracted by good things and we miss the greatest gift of all.  What is the greatest gift we can receive and celebrate at Thanksgiving?  God gave Jesus in order that the sins of the world could be forgiven.  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin.  His blood was shed so we could be forgiven and cleansed and healed and freed from the power of sin.  As believers, in keeping with Jesus’ directive, we give thanks and remember these truths every time we participate in a communion service together.

Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves". He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.”   (Luke 22:17, 19 NLT)

Life with Jesus will bring us more joy and contentment than we ever thought possible.  Today, let’s give thanks to God for His most generous gift and welcome Jesus into our lives.

©2015 Partners in Hope