Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits—
Psalm 103: 1-2 AMPC
Beware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Deuteronomy 6:12
How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? Psalm 116:12 BSB
I love all the sights and smells that “Thanksgiving” evokes. The aroma of turkey roasting in the oven, the smell of sage stuffing, and of course, pumpkin pie. I love the beautiful chaos of children, grandchildren and children-in-law, all clamoring and spilling drinks and asking for dessert much too early – all as we drink in the blessings of family and good food. The American Thanksgiving Holiday (That can be celebrated everywhere, of course!). A day purposefully set aside to remember and then give thanks to God for all the blessings He’s given us.
Thanksgiving Day also brings up meaningful memories of serving dinner to our friends at an urban ministry (Columbus Dream Center), many who have none of the trappings I just described. Some with a mere canvas “roof” over their head, a “bed” of cardboard, and only a lap for a table. I (and countless others) have personally experienced challenging holidays, layered with loneliness and financial lack, and the emotional pain of grief or loss. Such challenges can make Thanksgiving Day a little more complicated.
Where do you find yourself today? Are your overwhelmed by His goodness or overwhelmed by grief? Overwhelmed by His faithfulness or overwhelmed by tragic circumstances? Maybe both?
Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving season, may I (gently) encourage you to purposefully ask the Lord to bring His good gifts to mind? Every. Single One. It could be that you have a “Thankful” list ready to post on FB or share with your family. Or maybe it will take deep thought and possibly tears, to pull together a post-it note list. Though I don’t know where you land today, He does. And He is the same faithful God today, that He was last week, last decade or when King David penned the Psalm that reminds us to bless the Lord and forget not one of His benefits.
This year, I am so very thankful that He brought me out of my “land of Egypt” and my own self-created house of bondage. I am forever thankful that He has blessed me with another day of life, and beyond thankful for my amazing family (natural and spiritual) and yes, I’m even thankful for the trials He’s trusted me with, trials that continue to refine and mold me for His purposes.
Wherever this Thanksgiving Day finds us, let’s turn our minds and hearts to the Lord God and offer thanks to Him.
Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Father God, Faithful Lord, Precious Savoir, I am so very thankful for Your hand of blessing and favor on my life. From my salvation, to a heart that continues to beat, to my favorite Thanksgiving Day foods, to the challenges You’ve walked me through. I bow in awe of Your goodness toward me. Thank You! In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen
Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus
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