It’s that time of year again. The weather has turned, the leaves are falling (or have mostly fallen already), and Christmas is around the corner. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, we are about to celebrate one of my favorite holidays this week: Thanksgiving.
Our God is such a gracious and merciful God, and there is so much to be thankful to Him for. Yet, the Apostle Paul says that one of the chief sins of fallen humanity is their refusal to give God the thanks He deserves (Romans 1:21). May this never be how we live as children of God.
Instead, like David, let us bless the Lord. Let us bless His holy Name and never forget all that He has done for us (Psalm 103:1-2).
Through His mighty power and unfathomable love, He has ransomed us from our wicked ways; transferred us from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Christ; washed away all of our sin, misery, grief, and shame; adopted us into His own family as His beloved children; poured out the Holy Spirit into our hearts; placed our feet firmly on the right path; changed our hearts to know Him, love Him, and serve Him; promised to take us to Himself in heaven where we will live in perfect righteousness, peace, and joy forever, and all of this while we were ungodly sinners who were once His enemies.
All a Christian has to do is stop and think for a couple of minutes about how good God is and how good He has been to them, and it would be impossible for praise not to flow out of their heart and lips. This Thanksgiving, then, take time to reflect on the beauty of the Lord and give Him the praise that His glorious Name deserves.
-Shaun M. Hewlett