Psalm 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
There is no question we are living in uncertain times. As we begin the week of Thanksgiving, we are more aware of that fact than ever before. Many of us have altered our plans. If we allow it, this week can turn into the opposite of Thanksgiving. Our week could possibly be filled with frustration, anger, misunderstanding, and complaining. None of us want to do that. Deep down in our hearts, we know we have much to be thankful for. We also know that praising God and thanking Him for our blessings will benefit us both physically and spiritually. We know we need to praise God. We know we need to be thankful. We know the Bible tells us to do that; in all things, for all things, through all things. But, how? How can we thank God during uncertain times? Here are a few things we should meditate on that will cause our hearts to be filled with thanksgiving.
- Remember the Past
He has never failed you before, He will not fail you now.
Remember all that He has done for you. - Remember His Promises
His Word is full of great and precious promises to you. He will keep them all. - Remember His Power
His promises are made to you with the full backing of the power of Almighty God.
He will keep every one of them because He CAN keep every one of them. - Remember His People
God has placed His wonderful people in your life. You are who you are today because God has filled your life with other believers who help you, encourage you, minister to you, and need you in their lives. This year is no different. Stay connected. - Remember His Person
Jesus loves you! Jesus died for you! Jesus rose again for you! Jesus saved you! Jesus hears you! Jesus wants to use you! Jesus will bring you through whatever trial or testing you are going through! Jesus is preparing a place for you to be with Him for all eternity! You are a safe, secure, and sheltered child of God forever because of Jesus!
Sometimes we do not feel like being thankful. Sometimes we do not focus on the good things in our lives, only the negative things. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with all of the bad things going on around us. But, we have been given the responsibility to be thankful. We need thankful hearts. The world needs God’s people to be thankful. We need each other to be thankful. Think on these things listed above, and I am certain you can enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. I know we all can be thankful unto Him and bless His name. He is good, and His mercy and truth endures forever.
Photo credit Kelly Morton
Bell Creek Baptist Church 