This is the season that we focus on the things we are thankful for. Sometimes it is hard to be thankful. Perhaps you have lost your job in our lagging economy. Or maybe your health is not what it used to be or you recently lost someone you love. Even the everyday pressures of life can test our thankfulness. While it is sometimes hard to be thankful it is essential that we find ways to be thankful. It can even make a difference in the lives of those around us.
King David, from the Old Testament, wrote, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—” Psalm 107 (NIV) In this passage from the Bible, David gives us reasons to have the attitude of gratitude.
There is a very popular saying among Christians of all denominations today. One believer will say, “God is Good” and the other responds, “All the time.” This powerful saying is a reminder of exactly what King David is saying in this Psalm. We can be thankful because the Creator of the Universe is a Good God. No matter your current circumstance you can be thankful this season because of the Goodness of God.
(Thank you for getting to this part of the article. Some people do not read beyond the title of most articles, so I appreciate you staying with me to this point and I have some great news.) These verses also describe the love of God. When we deserve judgment, God give us love. This passage says, “His love endures forever.” Think about this truth. There will never be a time that God does not love you. His love endures forever!
This love of God is a powerful force for change. God’s love is not a passive type of love, it is an active love. The Apostle Paul described God’s love when he wrote, “But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinner, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) Of all the things we have to be thankful for, we should be thankful for a God that loved us so much that He would sacrifice His Son so that we could be forgiven and become children of God. I am thankful for my Savior. He has changed my life! Have you allowed Christ to change your life? He has a life of forgiveness, freedom, liberty, purpose and joy for you.
This passage of scripture also addresses the child of God when it says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Imagine the impact you could have in the lives of those around you if you told them your story. God wants to use you as an ambassador of His love to everyone you influence.
My prayer for you is that you will take time to be thankful this season and tell your story to everyone that will listen. You will be amazed at what God will do. (Thanks for making it to the end of this article. You are a finisher and I am thankful!)
This article originally appeared in the Dalhart Texan and was written by Sean Vickers.