Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful opportunity to refocus, to realign our thoughts and attitude. It is only natural for us to become presumptuous and slip into thinking that we are in some way deserving of the bounty we enjoy. After all, we are pretty good – compared to others. We are diligent and hard-working. Yes, God blesses, but he blesses those who work hard and are deserving. NOT!

As we pause to give thanks this week we ought to remember that we are who we are because of how God has embraced us, and nothing else! Psalm 115 begins with –
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”
Our God deserves all the glory because of His mercy and truth. The gods of the nations are fashioned by men’s hands and though they have ears, they are unable to hear; have eyes they are sightless; have noses, but smell nothing. Their hands remain unmovable and their feet never take a step. They are as mute as the materials from which they were formed. (verses 4-8)

But, the God revealed in Jesus remembers us, helps those who trust in Him, and blesses! Most of our family will gather around a festive table tomorrow. Traditions will be extended another year. The Psalmist’s truth is too important to ignore. We join those for who for generations remember the Lord’s blessings. Psalm 115 ends with –
“The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
“Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
“The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
“But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.”
We are looking forward to parades on television, football, scrumptious food, and playful banter, but, we will stop all others sounds to say and hearty “Thank you!” recognizing that our blessings are undeserved. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!