It's that time once again when families and friends come together to share Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner is easy (well for some), but mustering up genuine gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts may be difficult for those who are struggling right now - for those who are dealing with loss, health issues, financial instability, marital problems, or what have you. Because God desires us to give thanks in all circumstances, I developed a "Top 10 List" of biblical reasons to be thankful this holiday season. My prayer is that you can find one (or many) that resonate for you and give you a reminder of why we should be grateful for who God is and what He has done.
10) God Created All Things (Genesis 1:1): "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Everything we know and see was created by God. Take a moment to stare at the majesty of the heavens and earth that he created and let it inspire awe in your heart and mind.
9) God Created Man in His Image (Genesis 1:27): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." We were created in the very image of God, in his likeness. We are divinely inspired and a mirror of his divinity. Try to wrap your mind around the fact that of all of His creations, he chose US to resemble him.
man8) God is Soverign (1 Timothy 6:15): "He who is the blessed and only soverign one, the King of King and Lord of Lords." God is in control of EVERYTHING - of time, circumstances, relationships, and our health. Turn over what little control you think you have and realize the maker of heavens and earth and of humankind has every little detail of your life under control.
7) He Provides and He is Good (James 1:16-18): "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting sand." God provides for those who love him and he rains down His love by bestowing us with gifts from above.
6) God is Unchanging (Hebrews 6:17): "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath." Unlike our circumstances, relationships, even ourselves, God is unchanging. He never wavers and is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. When everything in our lives seems unstable or ever-changing, God is the one thing that will never change.
5) God Will Never Leave Us (Deuteronomy 31:8): "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Regardless of who and what we have lost in our lives, God will never leave us or forsake us. Even when we think we deserve it, he remains.
4) He Makes All Things Good (Romans 8:28): "We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him." God makes all things good, and brings beauty from ashes. We can rest assured that in the wake of disaster, loss, pain, suffering, disease, calamity, destruction, brokenness, etc. that God will work it all for good in the end.
3) He Grants us Peace (Colossians 3:15): "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body, you were called to peace, and give thanks." God's divine peace transcends all circumstance and guards our hearts and our minds in Christ. Seek his peace in your heart. You can find it even when the world is crashing down around you.
2) He Makes Us New (2 Corinthians 5:17): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, the new has come." No matter where we've been or what we have done, God makes us new again. We are washed clean and made new, and his mercies are new each morning.
And the #1 top reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving.... (drum role please)!
1) He Sent His Son Jesus to Die for Us (John 3:16): "God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Regardless of what may happen to us in this life on earth, God has laid out a path for eternal life through the death of Jesus. Through Jesus, God reconciles us to himself, restores our broken past, forgives us our sins, and invites us into an eternal life with us as the heirs to His Almighty kingdom. He broke apart his perfect love in the trinity to send His one and only son to die so that He could be in relationship with us and so that we could live eternally with Him in heaven.
I pray that you embrace all of these truths this Thanksgiving and let His everlasting love surround you and bring you peace and joy. Turn your attention to Him and give Him thanks for the many blessings he has bestowed in your life. He loves you so much and He wants you to know it!
Here is some music to get you in the mood!
