Nine things.

Normally by November 9th, I would have listed nine blessings I’m thankful for.

But 2020 has been hard.

But the truth is, those things I would’ve listed are still with me today. I’m still incredibly blessed.

Yes, 2020 has been difficult and the election, and our country, doesn’t seem to be going the way I would have hoped, but I’m no less blessed. And maybe you are as well.

The truth is, government is not our god,and America is not our true hope, but some of us have sure been acting like it is. 😳

Have we forgotten where our help really comes from(Psalm 121)? Have we neglected to be thankful? Do we remember the power that comes from gratitude?

Think about this- how different do we look from those rioting in the streets when we face difficulties still able to count our blessings?

What an even starker contrast are those with a grateful heart from those who are spewing hatred, cursing, screaming, fighting, burning buildings, and looting.

Did you see one protester, pause to say on camera, “but I’m thankful for this or that”? No, they spewed misery and looked foolish.

God’s Word tells us that those who are not thankful become futile in their thoughts and their foolish hearts are darkened. (Rom 1:21)

Friends, let’s be especially careful to remember we have so much to be thankful for because of our Lord. If He were to do nothing else good for us, He has already done more than enough on the Cross for us to be praising Him all day long!

And if we take a moment, and look around us, we can probably still see mountains of blessings, despite this hard year.

Let’s be deliberate to be grateful.

Let’s live in stark contrast to those who look only to this world for their hope.

And let’s don’t forget there is REAL POWER in gratitude.

Throughout Scripture, it was so often AFTER the people gave thanks that God delivered them.

“Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing”. (Psalm 107:21-22).

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which you were called in one body and be THANKFUL. 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. 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.” (Col 3:15-17)

Whatever you do, in this day, in this hard year, don’t forget to give thanks to the Lord!

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give THANKS; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. (1Thess 5:16-18)

Challenge- stop. Truly stop. And just praise the Lord! Thank Him from whom all blessings flow!

thankful