It’s that time of year once again when we enjoy a feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, different kinds of pie, and so much more delicious food with our families and think about what we are thankful for. This time of year always brings me such excitement and reminds me of what I am truly thankful for. However, I think it is easy to forget about why we should be thankful. The Lord gives us so many reasons to be thankful, some of which I would like to share with you.
The Lord Commands Us to be Thankful
Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”
When we are thankful, it can change our perspective on life. We begin noticing the good things more, and the negative things start to dim a little bit. I try to keep a habit of journaling a few times a week, and in the past, I have taken the time to write down three things I am thankful for. I would encourage you, every day, to write down three things that you’re thankful for. God has been so good to us our whole lives, and His mercy never fades. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes. No matter what happens in life, God is always so good. Thank Him for His goodness and mercy.
The Lord Has Blessed You with Amazing Opportunities
The Lord blesses us with many opportunities throughout the entirety of our lives. Attending Cedarville is an amazing opportunity within itself – not just because you’re able to receive an excellent education, but you’re also able to be surrounded and encouraged by other believers. It’s a breath of fresh air to be surrounded in such an encouraging atmosphere, thanking the Lord for all the opportunities He gives us. It is such an incredible opportunity to be able to attend a university committed to loving God and others, having integrity in conduct and excellence in effort, and committed to stand “For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ!”
He Sent His Son to Die for You
We were all once poor, lost orphans in desperate need of a loving Father. We were all rebels of God’s mercy and grace and were too blinded by our own sin to see how much we needed it. We were sinners with an unpayable debt in desperate need of a Savior to pay the price for our sins.
God sent His One and Only Son, whom He loved so very much, to die a gruesome, torturous death on the cross to pay the price for the sins of the whole world, remain in the grave for three days, and then rise again to dwell with our Heavenly Father. God has offered you this amazing gift of grace, and if you have accepted it, He has welcomed you into His family with open arms! You are a son or daughter of the One True King!
Even when we go astray, He is faithful to forgive, and He chases us down and brings us back to Him. It’s just like the following lyrics of the song “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music says, “Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me!” Praise Him for running after you when you went astray!
The Lord is Always with You
Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “’And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
A little over a week before my seventh birthday, my father passed away after battling two different types of blood cancer for three and a half years. Although his death was not sudden in reality, it was sudden in my memory. Because I was so young, I do not remember much about that time in my life. The only memories I have of him are when he was sick, and then suddenly he wasn’t there. My mother, now a widow, had to face a new challenge of being a single mother to my younger brother and me. However, God did not leave us to figure out life on our own. He was with us when my father was sick, and He stayed with us after he called my Daddy home. I am so thankful that God was there to comfort and provide for me and my family during such a difficult time.
Whatever you are facing, whether it’s stress from school or a family issue, be assured that God is with you. Run to Him when you need comfort, and He will give you His perfect peace and rest.
The Lord gives us so many reasons to be thankful. As we prepare for a time with our loved ones that’s filled with laughter and lots of food, let’s “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.” Not just during a Thanksgiving meal, but every day. I encourage you to express your thankfulness to God for who He is, what He has done, and all He will do!
Year & Major: Junior, English
Favorite Music Artist: Jeremy Camp, For King & Country
Favorite Quote: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but one of my favorites is, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”-Christopher Robin in Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
What do you like to do in your free time? Reading, writing, cooking, baking, playing the piano, playing the guitar, spending time with friends and family, visiting coffee shops and bookstores.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23
Tags: #thankful, #thankHim, #thanksgiving
Posted in: Thanksgiving