Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. For the Lord is good; and His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His promises endure to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5
Its that time of year when we gather around the family table. We share food and conversation and remember all the things we are thankful for. Whether the table is overflowing with tasty treats or it’s a simple meal, thanksgiving is a time we gather together with those we love. It’s the time we celebrate all our blessings. At least that is how we normally celebrate Thanksgiving. With COVID making a resurgence, Thanksgiving is looking a LOT different for many of us.
Despite the changes COVID may have made in our celebrations, we need to hold onto thankfulness with everything we got. It is in times of challenge and grief that the true power of thankfulness emerges. When life takes a hard turn, thankfulness becomes a vital survival skill. Giving thanks changes our perspective. Thanks-giving opens the door for hope to enter in. Hope opens the door for the power of God to work in our lives.
Though it may be hard to see in the midst of the mess that COVID is, there is much to be thankful for. Not the least of which is the goodness, mercy and lovingkindness of our God. Through out His word, God declares His love and devotion to us. He assures us that He will protect us. He promises He will never leave or forsake us. He will never let His righteous fall. God is a keeper of promises to all generations. He vows to walk with us through all life’s difficulties. He gave His son to die for our sins. He wouldn’t invest so much unless He planned on protecting His investment. His power is ALWAYS at work on our behalf!
When it feels like the things we have come to cherish and rely on are being ripped from us, we need to remind ourselves to give thanks for what God is doing in the midst of the pain. Even when we don’t yet see the evidence of it, God is ALWAYS working on our behalf. He IS faithful to keep His promises. It is an act of faith to stand on those promises in the face of chaos. It is only by standing in His promises that we will be able to receive them. The amazing thing is, embracing God’s promises before we see them is actually what enables us to stand and to remain standing when everything around us is falling apart.
The full power of thanksgiving can never be overstated. When the worry and anxiety of all that is happening our world comes crashing in, remember to bring it all to the one who loved us enough to sacrifice His own life for us. Release the cares and worries to Him in prayer with thanksgiving and watch the windows of heaven open up as God pours out the blessing of His promises on us, His beloved. Knowing that He has our situation in hand can bring us a peace that reassures our hearts that all will be well.
So what do you have to be thankful for this thanksgiving? Whatever it is, lift it high in an offering of praise to the one who loves you unconditionally and literally died to give you everything needful for life and godliness.
Leap of Faith 
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