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Happy Thanksgiving!

Are you one who will celebrate Thanksgiving by using those two words? If so, will you also spend a few moments during this special season to express thanks to God for the blessings we have had this past year?

There are many problems, but we have had plenty of food, water to drink — and for a bath — a job, a means of transportation, including school buses for the kids, friendships, relative safety from those who would harm us, help from those who serve us- police, firemen, trash collectors…  And there are so many more things we take for granted. Many countries do not have these riches.

Will you encourage your children to be thankful for these blessings?

Or, do you have a hard time expressing thankfulness?

Are you one who would quickly say, “How can I give thanks when I see all that is happening in the world? I am fearful, lonely, hearing and hating those awful, ugly, negative and sometimes untrue remarks and sarcastic words flying back and forth by those sparring for power?”

If any of this is keeping you from being thankful, let me encourage you to read the book of Psalms in the Bible. The writer’s words will often remind us that long ago the whole world experienced a dark side because of sin.

The same demonic forces which ruled in the ancient world are at work today in this “modern” age. There is nothing new. Words in the Old Testament verify that.

The psalmist understood those feelings but then inspired us with words that lift our hearts by reminding us God loves his creation and has given us the gifts we enjoy today. No evil entity could do that. We are a sinful people who need to ask forgiveness and then to praise and thank God by worshiping him.

The book of Psalms can give us a light to challenge any darkness we may be feeling. In Psalm 90, the psalmist tells us to “number our days so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”

With these ancient words the psalmist says, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto thy Name, O most high…” (Psalm 92.)  Psalm100 reminds us to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord… to enter his gates with thanksgiving.” In Psalm 103 we are told to “Bless the Lord and forget not all his benefits…” Psalm 106 reminds us to praise the Lord for he is good.”

Giving loving thanks to God for all the blessings we enjoy can change our lives. Let’s remember to do this during this THANKS-giving season.

 

Myrtle V. Thompson, writer, author, age 94+, asking you to join in praying for America to become a thankful nation. (mvtgrt@gmail.com)