Thankful Thoughts

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I WILL GIVE THANKS FOREVER. (Psalm 30:11-12)

Have you noticed that somehow we’ve skipped Thanksgiving and moved straight to Christmas?  Everywhere you look, there is something to do with Christmas.  There are songs playing at the mall, the decorations are out, and sales are in full swing.  Now please don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas just as much as the next person.  But I don’t want to forget to stop and give thanks for the One who gives me a reason to celebrate.  I want to take time this week to celebrate all that I have to be thankful for.

I’m so thankful for God who formed me in my mothers womb, for His Son who came to be my Savior through death on a cross, for the Holy Spirit who guides me daily, for the Word of God that teaches me how to live my life for God’s glory, for the amazing husband God has given me to share my days here on earth with, for my family who have believed in me, for my extended family who have accepted me, for my friends who challenge me, for the gift of every breath, for my freedom, for God’s renewal of hope in my life on a daily basis, for the strength that comes through God’s uplifting arms, for the Body of Christ who sharpen me…  I could go on and on.  I haven’t even mentioned the roof over my head, the clothes on my back, the car in the garage, clean running water, the legs that I use to walk, my eyesight, my ability to hear, to taste, to touch, and to feel.  Wow, God has been so good to me!

I’m not sure how you’re feeling this Thanksgiving week, but I can guarantee you that there is something to be thankful for in your life.  Please stop and take a moment to offer your thanks to God who has not failed us and who has given us more than we could ever need!  May you walk in the fullness of God’s grace this week and be swept away by His love.  May you experience a heart of gratitude for all that you have been given!

Here is a poem/prayer that really expresses my heart of gratitude to the Lord!

Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day
We bow our hearts to You and pray.
We give You thanks for all You’ve done
Especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son.
For beauty in nature, Your glory we see
For joy and health, friends and family,
For daily provision, Your mercy and care
These are the blessings You graciously share.
So today we offer this response of praise
With a promise to follow You all of our days.

~Mary Fairchild