Giving Thanks

Some of you may have read this before, but this is from my Thanksgiving column in this week's Pampa News.

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Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. It's a time for family and friends. It's a time for fellowship and food (especially Mom's famous Italian cream cheese cake). Thanksgiving is also a time for reflection.

 

As we approach another Thanksgiving, I've been reading the Psalms because they remind me of the blessings of God. Psalm 103 lists just a few of His benefits:

 

"O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins — every one. He heals your diseases — every one. He redeems you from hell — saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy — a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth — you’re always young in his presence." (Psalm 103:1-5 The Message)

 

Those are awesome benefits! Only God provides these great blessings. God's benefits plan is all-inclusive. I'm thankful He forgives ALL my sins and heals ALL my diseases. He doesn't hold anything back.

 

Another part of Psalm 103 tells about God's endless love and compassion for all who will come to Him: "God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him."

 

I'm thankful God's love for us never ends. His love for His children is constant through all generations. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

 

The last part of Psalm 103 reminds us again to praise the Lord for His benefits and says: "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." We've just come through a divided election and face uncertain times. But in this time of violence and confusion in the world today, we can still be thankful that God rules over all the earth.

 

I encourage you to count your blessings this Thanksgiving. And remember this quote: “If you woke up this morning with more health then illness, you are more blessed than many others who will not survive this week.”

 

God bless and happy Thanksgiving!