It’s a weird year for thanksgiving, isn’t it. I must admit that there have been many times throughout this year that I have resisted the attitude of thankfulness. There is, nonetheless, so many reasons to be thankful and I am determined, as a child of God, to count my blessings. I am truly thankful for life! It is a precious privilege to walk through this life and know the glories of Christ and be able to experience life in Him. Paul speaks of the glorious creation of Christ in Colossians 1:15-16 where he says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
Have you ever thought about the fact that our Savior wasn’t just around for thirty-three years on earth, but He is eternally existing. He was on the throne of heaven. He created the world for His own glory. Then He came into the world so that He could die for my sins and yours. That would be tragic is the story ended there, but then He defeats death, is resurrected from the grave, and today is still working on our behalf to bring salvation and sanctification to His own! That alone is worthy of great gratitude!
But that is not all. There is so much more. He has given me a beautiful family to share this life with. My wife is amazing, and my sons are growing up with a desire to love and serve Christ. I am watching them grow into godly young men who will, more and more, reflect the glories of Christ in their own life.
We have his glorious church which, when done correctly, allows us to experience a taste of heaven on earth where we grow together in righteousness and love and we gather for the joy of worship on a regular basis. I find, even now, that my worship is a precious part of my life and the more I do it, the more I am filled with the hope and glory of Christ in my personal life. I have the privilege of enjoying the closeness of Christ in my life.
We have the Holy Spirit who fills me and places within me the fruit of the Spirit that I could not fully experience without Him. This year has been an example of how miserable life can be with out meaning in Him. Even in the midst of all the frustrations and troubles of this year we can still experience love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the things that make life good and it is found in Him.
I am filled with thanksgiving today. I am thankful for a God who loves me and who has given me His best as I follow Him by faith. May we rejoice as the psalmist instructs:
Psalm 100 (ESV)
A Psalm for giving thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.