Thanksgiving was not a new idea that originated with the Pilgrims. God’s people throughout history regularly gave thanks and acknowledged His gracious provisions. They praised Him even during times of famine, war, exile, and persecution because they had seen His faithfulness and they knew He would come through.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1 NLT
Thankfulness should be a way of life for a follower of Christ. If we pay attention, we will see God’s faithfulness and steadfast love everywhere.
Every good and perfect gift is from above; it comes down to us from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens] – James 1:17 AMP
He meets our physical needs, even above and beyond. He protects us and heals us. He opens doors of opportunity and closes doors of trouble. He gives us people to do life with. And even when we face struggles, He provides the strength and peace to get through as He makes us more like Jesus. Each new day is full of opportunities to give thanks.
Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:21-23 NLT
The most amazing gift God has given us is Jesus! Pretty soon we’ll be celebrating the day that Light broke through the darkness and brought hope to a lost world. God loved us so much that He provided a way when there was no way. If He gave us His Son, there is no good thing He will keep from us.
But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? – Romans 8:31-32 NLT
Ask yourself this: If tomorrow morning you woke up with only what you thanked God for today, what would you be left with?
Make today the first day of a new way of life. A life surrendered to Jesus, empowered by His Spirit, and always thankful to a good Heavenly Father.
