It matters! No, really! It matters! Many people find themselves thankful for things, even relationships, that are merely temporary without the lasting, living, love of God through Jesus Christ and the salvation He secured through His sinless life, death on the Cross, burial, and resurrection on that third day.
Many persons reflecting on what they are thankful for during this national holiday of Thanksgiving will begin a statement of thanksgiving much like this: “I am thankful that I . . .”
One can have a great job, position of authority and respect, with a wonderful marriage and family; enough money coming in and saved up to reduce many of life’s worries only to discover that all of these are merely temporary blessings. There has been a saying that has been with us forever that goes something like this: “You can’t take it with you when you die!”
Well, the reality is there is one thing that you can take with you when you die, and that’s a born-again, living soul through faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. That is the only thing you can be thankful for that is Eternal; your salvation, redemption, having been bought forever with a price of sacrificial death for your sins by Christ Jesus the Son of God. The Bible speaks of the reason for our need of salvation, and also the only way of receiving or accessing this great gift.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“All” means, all, everybody. We all were born with a sin nature, or a nature to sin against the Holy God. That sin nature separates us forever, including after death, from our only Holy and Righteous God.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.” (Romans 6:23)
The right judgment on our sin is death and separation from God forever in the devil’s hell; but God has provided a way that this price of death on sin would be paid by a substitute, the LORD Jesus Christ, Who is the way, and the truth, and the life. Christ Jesus died for us; He died for you. You only need to believe by faith that He is Who He says He is in the Holy Bible, that He died for you so that you can live in and with Him for Eternity. Now, that is something to be thankful for! A decision to follow Jesus can make this your very best Thanksgiving ever!
Now, to you who have already received Christ Jesus as your Savior, may I remind you of things you already know. The ugliness and fears of the world today, along with personal sorrows and grief often place us in a state of mind where we forget who we are in Christ. Below are a few gems from God’s Word to you. Read, reflect, receive, and rejoice!
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29
“I have said these things to you, that IN ME you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness and endurance.” James 1:23
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all of my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:4-5
“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but the One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalm 94:19
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:15-17
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
Thank You, Precious Lord, that You are our Refuge and our Strength in these difficult and uncertain days, and an Ever-Present Helper in our times of trouble. Help us to adhere to You and this biblical truth.
We know that You are the only All-Powerful God, and nothing is too difficult in our lives for You to take care of, neither is there any hurdle in our paths that is so impossible that we cannot cross, knowing that You are with us always.
Thank You that our strength comes from You, and that Your grace is sufficient not only for today but for the rest of our journeys through this life.
Father may Your Spirit keep us mindful of Your sufficiency, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2023!
