When the nation of Israel was released from 400 years of slavery; they took their possessions and went into the desert. Those closest to Moses left with great expectations. Many others were taken by surprise at the speed of their departure from all they had ever known. Each family packed their belongings and headed out into the unknown with a new taste of freedom; masses following masses. The multitudes took whatever they could carry. But soon, the journey turned disappointing because the people began to grumble and become disheartened. Dissention stirred among the people.
In the Old Testament certain Levites were appointed to give continual praise and thanks to God. The rest of the nation did not have that privilege. We, however, have been given that privilege through Jesus Christ. We can now go directly to God and no longer require a middle man such as a Priest. During the Thanksgiving holiday we focus our blessing and express our gratitude to God. But thanks should be on our lips every day. “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O’ Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night” (Psalm 92:1-2). We should always be expressing our gratitude even in those times that we might not want to. The giving of thanks in all things does not imply that all things are good. Rather, we should give thanks because of our confidence in the purpose and the providence of God in any and every circumstance of life.
In order to help you express daily gratitude, review these four significant aspects of thankfulness: 1) Remember what God has done; 2) tell others about Him; 3) show God’s glory to others and 4) offer gifts of self, time and resources to others. God saved you by His special favor when you believed, so you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Jesus, the Son of God gave himself as the last sacrificial lamb so that you would receive the reward of eternal life. He thought of you and your eternal future over two thousand years ago! Will you make thanksgiving an integral part of your life? If you do you’ll find that your attitude towards life will change and you’ll become more positive, gracious, loving and humble.
Don’t be like the Nation of Israel who, after tasting freedom, grumbled because God’s freedom meant leaving the misery of bondage and their old comfort zone; but look forward to the great blessings and promises He has for you by giving “thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Praying that the love of God will fill your heart and you begin to see the beauty of God’s gift for you and may His love shower down and surround you with nothing but His perfect joy.
In His Service,
Pastor Jenny
Proverbs 17:7 “Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”
November 23, 2011
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