Give Thanks

November 23, 2020.

Last week Karen and I received an invitation from our friends next door to watch a special live broadcast entitled Give Thanks. The uplifting message encouraged everyone to flood social media for the next seven days with posts focused only on giving thanks—using the hashtag #givethanks. You may have noticed the posts on your social media feeds.

This has undoubtably been a challenging year for all of us. The word “unprecedented” has been frequently used to describe it. Who’d have imagined church doors would be closed around the world? Or, that we’d all have to become familiar with how to livestream? And as for Zoom? If only we’d all bought stock in the company!

I’m so glad that the midst of life’s challenges we have God’s Word to strengthen, inspire, and provide direction. Says the psalmist:

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening. . . . You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts” (Psalm 92:1-5, NLT).

So, let me ask you a question. How do we come to know God’s unfailing love and faithfulness? If we’re honest, we’ll admit those difficult lessons are learned best in times of darkness and pain. It’s only after being lost that we truly appreciate finding our way home. When we are lonely, we find delight in a call from a friend.

Oh, the sweetness that comes after we feel we have failed too many times, and God reminds us once again of His unfailing love. His mercies are new every morning! He Who has promised—is faithful! He loves us with a love that NEVER lets go! We can trust Him. Because He is faithful we can “sing for joy,” regardless of circumstance. Regardless of whatever life hands us. God is unchanging and He loves His children with an everlasting love.

So what are you thankful for today? Let’s share our joy! Someone may need the sunshine your words can bring. Give someone a call and remind them they’re loved. Slip a card into the mailbox and send some cheer on this cold fall day. Drop off a batch of fresh-baked cookies on someone’s doorstep. Let’s share God’s unfailing love with others and give thanks for His faithfulness to us.  

Pastor Michael

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