(Psa 107:8) Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
This Thanksgiving is kind of special to me because of my family’s recent trip to New England. We not only experienced the astonishing exhibit of fall foliage but we also had the privilege of reviewing a lot of American history as well. One of our visits was to Plymouth, Massachusetts. We were able to see Plymouth Rock and a replica of the Mayflower. We were also able to review the beginnings of our country’s history at an incredible wax museum there that told the story of the Pilgrims from start to finish. As we know, half of the people who came over on the Mayflower died that first harsh winter. The hardships and rigor they had to endure would probably have crushed us all. But by the fall harvest-time they were giving thanks to God instead of complaining. At that wonderful feast along with the native Indians, they gave thanks to the Lord for His goodness and His mercy to them.
As present day Americans, we have so much to be grateful for. We live in a country of bountiful blessings. And yet there is that sinful tendency to gravitate toward the negative of our circumstances instead of counting our blessings. The Bible calls upon all who know God to glorify Him and to be thankful. It also warns us against persistent ingratitude as a doorway to futility of mind and a selfish and godless life (Rom 1).
Every good and perfect gift comes down from our Father who has been so faithful to us in every way (James 1:17). Add up your blessings this week and you will be praising God and rejoicing in His tender mercies. There is always some areas of our lives that is in need, but let’s seek to keep these things on the back burner on a simmer. And let’s fire up the big pot of God’s blessings right up front until it boils over and we get swept away in the abundance of the marvelous love of our matchless Savior!
Louie