Thanksgiving Thanks

Nº 330

November 26, 2024

Be thankful. God has commanded it—for our good and for His glory. God’s command to be thankful is not the threatening demand of a tyrant. Rather, it is the invitation of a lifetime—the opportunity to draw near to Him at any moment of the day. - Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

This week in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving. The day is filled with family, friends, food, and football. But fundamentally, this holiday provides a pause in our busy lives to remember and express our gratitude to God for His amazing benefits to us.

The Psalmist understood this holiday. He said, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1b) This short but powerful statement reminds us to thank God for both His goodness and His love. Goodness speaks of who God is, and love focuses on His relationship with us.

God’s goodness is the plumb-line against which we see our flaws and weaknesses. Compared to God’s perfection, our sinful lives are on full display; we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. Even though his goodness highlights our flaws and shortcomings, his love provides our remedy. God’s steadfast love gave His Son to die in our place and take the punishment for our sin.

This year during the Thanksgiving season, enjoy family, friends, food, and football, but also take time to reflect on God’s goodness and love. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries