Did you know that the modern day “Thank You” is derived from the Proto-Germanic words “thankojanan,” and “thankoz” which mean To Think, To Feel typically as a Loving Memory but also Good Thoughts, Gratitude (Online Etymology Dictionary, (n.d.)?
Thanksgiving Season is a time to “think” and “feel” about life with all of its abundance and deficiencies. It can be very easy to think of life’s deficiencies and focus on what’s lacking, prayers unanswered, hopes deferred, desires denied, needs unfilled, and goals unreached. Precious things like the grace extended, mercy bestowed, kindness shown, love realized, and blessing received are often are overlooked.
The gift to the Christian is God Himself, not His blessings, His power, or His stuff. The gift is God, Sis. His presence, His Spirit, His strength, His love, His friendship, His guidance, His peace in the storm and His wisdom are yours for the taking. This Thanksgiving let us give thanks for the most important thing, God, Himself. As we add to our “Thanks List” things like: family, life, health, shelter, food, freedom, and good friends let us not forget to give thanks for God, Himself.
The Creator of the universe desires relationship with you. Out of all the people on earth you are the apple of His eye. If our hearts are struggling with thankfulness and we are tempted to give in to depression, doubt, despair, sadness, and even quitting let us not forget to give thanks for God, Himself. He is the God of the hills and valleys and you are never alone. The miracles will come. The prayers will be answered. The storm will not last forever. The main thing to remember is that through it all and in it all God, Himself is with you loving, feeling, and sharing all of life’s triumphs and trials right along with you and often carrying you when you have no strength. Relationships are tested, solidified and grow sweeter when they experience the good and the bad times of life and come out stronger and proven. Through it all, it’s a relationship with God Himself that we are to be thankful for. If you don’t have a relationship with God, Himself, please talk to Him. Pray and ask Him to reveal Himself to you and let Him know that you desire a relationship with Him as much as He desires a relationship with you. Then, find a Bible believing church and start your journey of loving God for who He is and experience the joy you’ve been missing.
It’s human to think and feel, but this Thanksgiving, let’s make sure our focus is on the right thing. That thing is God, Himself. Let our THANKSGIVING be directed to our God for HE is good!!!
Explore His Word and read these scriptures to strengthen your faith.
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Hebrews 13:6 - So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Isaiah 41:10-13 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Matthew 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
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