Giving Thanks
Probably more than ever before today I am reflecting upon the fact that I have so much to give thanks for. Today, being “Thanksgiving Day” seems like a perfect day to reflect upon the reasons I have to give thanks. However, I am wondering why it is that I have failed at times to keep a heart of thanks throughout the year. In thinking about this I believe there is one key to giving thanks continually.
The key is to remember that all we have that is good is from God. James wrote that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) It is so easy to apply this verse to only those things that bring immediate joy, comfort or excitement. However, James said “every good and perfect gift.” This means every breath I take, every morsel of food that enters my mouth that is needed for energy, every glass of water, every hug, every heartfelt smile directed toward me, every moment of rest I get that my body needs, and the list goes on. God gives so many gifts that are so often overlooked or trivialized. When I begin to think of all that I have, I realize I have much to be thankful for – you do as well. We all have much to be thankful for. As I write this I am getting over a 24-48 hour flu virus. The day after we arrived on my first real vacation in two years I got sick. I dare not complain though! For two days I have been laying down and resting. I have had more rest in two days than I have had in a great while. Also, I am thankful that I did not get sick at a time when I needed to be at work. Even during difficulties we have much to be thankful for. We only need start counting our blessings – for all good things are from our Father in Heaven.
The times when I have sought to find ways to thank God for all that I have (especially during difficulties) is when my troubles get smaller, my world gets bigger, my God seems more loving, my love grows, my patience grows and overall I appreciate life all the more. Thanking and praising God for all that we have is absolutely critical for a healthy relationship with our Heavenly Father. In fact, the Bible tells us to praise Him continually (see: Psa 71:14, Heb 13:15, Psa 34:1). He is worthy of all our praise and He deserves our praise in both good times and bad.
Today and in the coming days would you take time to thank God for all that you have? We all have so much to be thankful for! Whether we are traversing good times or bad we should still praise our Father in Heaven. If you are not sure where to start with your praises I suggest starting with the greatest gift God has given – His Son. What gift could have more value, be given with more love or have a greater sacrifice for those God loves?
Jesus, God’s one and only Son, came to the earth and lived a perfect life without sin. Jesus did not have to die, but because of His great love for each of us He took upon Himself the sins of each of us and gave up His life as a blood sacrifice for our sins. This was necessary to make payment for all our wrongs. He loves us that much! Jesus died with our sins on His shoulders but the great news is that He lived again! He rose from the dead the third day and has now been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Because He lives we too will can have eternal life in Him. He said while on earth, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) The promise we have in Jesus’ death is that if we give our lives entirely over to Him and follow Him we too can have eternal life with Him. This is definitely something to be thankful for! For without the gift of Jesus Christ we would have absolutely no hope in this world! ~ in Christ, pastor bill.
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