Thinking about thanksgiving my mind is drawn to Jesus and what He has done for me in terms of “salvation”. It’s all about Jesus and His sacrifice.
I was once dead in my sins, living in darkness but when I think about this beautiful gift of eternal life He has given me, which I do not deserve, I break out in thanksgiving.
Jesus was a sinless man who died an unjust, undeserved, cruel death for me. He was not deserving of the punishment He received and most of all being separated from His Father during His death on the Cross for me. I was deserving of God’s punishment for my sins, but Jesus came and died for my sins and received my death punishment. Wow! This was great news when I first heard it and this great news continues to play a big part in my life.
At times I am ungrateful, unappreciative, unthankful, and even fall short of having an attitude of thanksgiving for such great salvation in Jesus Christ. However, He is so faithful and kind toward me even when I don’t please Him He still loves me, provides for me, cares for me, and forgives me. His mercies are great and new every morning.
The attitude of thanksgiving is important to all Christians even in the midst of difficult situations. It helps to guard against sadness, anxious thoughts, or a downcast spirit. This shows where your Lordship is. Being a part of the Praise and Worship Ministry I have come to realize over the many years that my gift back to Him is a heart of thanksgiving that loves and trusts Him no matter what may come. A heart that is full of thanksgiving through songs, hymns, psalms, and praises for all the wonderful gifts of salvation. Peace, joy, forgiveness, mercy, love, new friends in Christ, provisions, health, and all gifts to numerous to count.
A hymn comes to mind that I love to sing to express my thankfulness.
Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices
Who from our mothers’ arms, Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.
Now Thank We All Our God