When I woke up this morning, my heart was filled with gratitude. When I began to think about God’s goodness, my soul just cried out hallelujah! Too often we do not take the time to just meditate and discern what God has done for us, but when we do, our hearts should become filled with joy. That does not mean we have not had some ups and downs, but the good news is that we are still here and pressing on. Maybe the word “thanks” is on my heart and in my mind because we are preparing for

Thanksgiving Day. The pandemic has, however, changed the way we are accustomed to celebrating Thanksgiving. Could it be that God is trying to tell and show us how important family is and that we should become creative in finding new ways to maintain contact with family? If so, start today!

I was led to the passage of scripture in Psalm 107 and found these words: “O, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; He led them by a straight way, till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to the sons of men! For He satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things.” What I love about this Psalm is that God reminds us that he is always there for us regardless of our circumstances. First, we are reminded that in our distress, God is there. Secondly, for those who may be lost and wandering, God finds us and shows us the way. Thirdly, to those who may find themselves in ongoing storms, He reminds us that He is the God of Sunshine and showers. Regardless of our calamity, God provides and delivers simply because He loves us.

Again, God has done so much for us, and He wants us to tell others about His goodness. Like David, when we live in God’s presence, we will not be able to keep our blessings and testimonies to ourselves. The question today is, what has God done in your life that surpasses even human understanding? Are you willing to tell someone else your stories of gratitude? If so, start today!  He is the God of food and drink, clothing and shelter and so much more, now give Him thanks.                          

What we find in the scripture today is the fact that the Israelites had become exhausted, hungry, thirsty and lost, but they always knew God was there for them and with them. Even though they were a hard headed and disobedient people, they found satisfaction in knowing God for themselves. If there is anyone who may be lost, may you find strength and courage enough today to declare your redemption today.    

Verses 31 and 32 sums it all up for me in regards to giving thanks. “Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. Let them exalt Him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.”  If you have never had difficulties or trials in your life, you may not appreciate Him as much as those who have suffered hardships. Yes, we may have experienced trials and tribulations, but prayerfully we have been delivered from them. We should be giving God the highest praise right now!

Just think about how far God has brought you over the years. We should be most proud of the fact that we were lost, but now we can declare that we are found by a loving Jesus that meets all of our needs.

I am going to stop where I am, for if I had a thousand tongues, I could not thank my God enough.

Just a think about!

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor