Thank You, Lord
by Jan Cox
As Canadians we celebrated our Thanksgiving last weekend and were reminded that it was harvest weekend – a time for bringing in the bountiful gifts of God. Our church, decorated fully with vegetables and corn stalks, looked glorious.
I’m happy our Thanksgiving Day is celebrated at this time of year. Bright, sunny, captivating colours and bountiful harvests. Thank You, God.
We can see it, feel it, smell it, taste it and even hear it. God opens our hearts to embrace Him fully.
And it also opens our minds to know and see Him EACH DAY. Counting His gifts, an act of thanksgiving.
Have you started a gift list? If not, why not start now? Seeing and recording His gifts daily opens our hearts to His joy.
Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts, was given a dare, “Can you count God’s gifts to 1000? I started my list in March 2011 and today I am at 375 and still counting. Ann is still counting too and she is at 2759.
Thanking God is a big part of prayer. My first memorized verse and probably my favourite one is:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
“With thanksgiving” – every prayer remember to thank Him.
Eucharisteo means “Give Thanks”.
And Jesus says to not just give thanks when things are good. We are to do it all the time.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)
That’s a tough one. Can I trust God enough to thank Him in all circumstances? Not necessarily “for” all circumstances but know He is there “in” my troubles.
Gratitude – a big word – I’m learning.
Prayer:
Lord, we are at different places in our lives. We put our trust in You, thank You for being here with us in good times and bad. We remember to give thanks – Eucharisteo – in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Other Thanksgiving Posts you might enjoy:
Ann Voskamp A Holy Experience
Violet Nesdoly – Other Food: daily devos
Marlene Hutchins Marlene’s Space
Grace Fox Daring, Deep, Devoted
Glynis Belec My Journey
My Gratitude List for the Week: counting up and up … this makes 375
- My sensitivities to certain foods – awareness of discipline which leads to obedience
- That early morning stillness when my brain, body, mind and soul come together
- Sensing my heartbeat
- Awareness of my breathing
- Sensing the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- A new room for my Mom with a beautiful view
- A wonderful friend
- Great kids
- Patient husband waiting while I spend time with my Mom
- Snowball’s exuberant nature
- Rain holding off for the drive home
