In the United States, today is Thanksgiving. Regardless of the origin of this holiday, isn't the premise behind the word "thanksgiving" something we should be focusing on?
What does this day mean to you personally?
Our Father in Heaven gives us so many examples to live by in regards to the topic of giving thanks and often times I struggle with this personally as I dwell on the negative thoughts the enemy, my selfishness, my self-righteousness, and this world may plant into my thought life.
Here are a few Scriptures for us to focus on throughout this holiday, regardless of if you're in the US or not as our focus through all things should be on God; not the world, not our own selfish desires or struggles, and definitely not what the enemy wants us to focus on.
"Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 HCSB).
"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17 HCSB).
"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6 HCSB).
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1 HCSB).
"Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20 HCSB).
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name." (Psalm 100:4 HCSB).
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever." (1 Chronicles 16:34 HCSB).
As we can see from this small selection of Scripture from God's word, giving thanks is a powerful message from God that we should follow. Meditate on this Scripture and give a focus especially today, but also in your daily walk, on what you are thankful for, regardless of the trials and tribulations this life is bringing into your world right now.
We all go through difficult times in our lives. Some of us have lost family members or close friends, some of us are going through divorce, some of us have lost our jobs, and there are many other things we can add to this list. Through all the brokenness of this world, however, God is always faithful to us with open arms and never-ceasing love and comfort through it all.
Here's just a few things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday!
I am thankful for my God that gives restoration and healing.
I am thankful for my God that is always faithful to me no matter how often I have faltered.
I am thankful for the kids God has brought to my life.
I am thankful for God keeping me safe throughout my 20+ years in my military career.
I am thankful for the lessons God has taught me, even if not thankful in the moment, so that I can become a better, more Godly man in this life.
I am thankful for my God that loves me unconditionally.
I am thankful for my God who always has open arms and is there to comfort me always.
I am thankful for those of you who are reading this right now and the blessings God is bestowing on your life, even if you may struggle to see them in the moment.
I am thankful for a renewed and softened heart that my stubbornness and brokenness has kept closed off for many years.
I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His sacrifice, I would be a lost soul forever.
I am thankful for the trials I have gone through in this life as through God they have taught me so much that I would have never learned if I had a smooth life with zero difficulties.
I am thankful for my renewed faith walk with God in recent times.
I am thankful for my consistent daily quiet time in God's word, which renews my spirit daily!
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Thank You, Father, for all that You are and Your perfection in this relationship I have with You, even though my side of this relationship has been heavily flawed and lacking.
I love you and hope and pray that your day is blessed by God, no matter what you are currently going through. Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone!
Comments