THANKFUL FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS (2)

“Praise the Lord! Oh, GIVE THANKS to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” – Psalm 106:1

The privilege of seeing another season of the Saviour’s birth is sufficient reason to be THANKFUL for GOD’S BLESSINGS: “Praise the Lord! Oh, GIVE THANKS to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psa. 106:1). This psalm describes God’s mercies and goodness bestowed upon Israel in spite of their sins and provocations amidst those blessings. Notwithstanding, He did not destroy them from being a people; for which they had reason to be thankful. As Israel was called to give thanks to the Lord for all He had done for them in delivering them from Egypt and parting the Red Sea, we too are being called to give thanks to our God, for He has been good and merciful to us too. He deserves our praise for He has done marvelous things; delivered us from the snares of the enemy, and still keeping us today.

The Psalmist call us to a triumphant cry of "Thanksgiving and Praise” to the Lord our God. His love and goodness are part of His character. He is good in and of Himself. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares that: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” That we are alive in the midst of the world’s precarious times, we owe God our praise and thanksgiving, for the enemy named death did not have its way in our lives, and we’ve been given yet another day to lift up holy hands and open our mouths wide with praise unto our God. Psalm 150:6 says: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” Our incredible God deserves incredible praise. He was born to become our Saviour, Lord, Shepherd, and Friend.

Thankfulness is a concept that appears often in the Bible: “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph.5:20); “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1The.5: 16-18). The faithful are called to give thanks to God in every circumstance and for everything – not only to be thankful but to rejoice: "Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psa.95:2). Sometimes it can be tough to be thankful for the seemingly little things, especially in hard times. But once we begin counting our blessings, we often discover that we have a gracious plenty after all. It’s simply the change in perspective from dwelling on what we lack to focusing on what we have.

Here are some additional blessings that I am thankful to God for:

Thank You Lord for being with me when I took my first breath of air, and giving me devoted parents and siblings that nurtured me as a child.

Thank You Lord for making my life filled with beautiful moments, surrounded by a loving spouse, caring family and faithful friends.

Thank You Lord for saving me from sin and sin’s consequences, and for always being there for me when I need You most.

Thank You Lord for everything You have done for me, keeping me alive and well to enjoy my family, friends, and personal life.

Thank You Lord for making me a part of this wonderful world that You created, ensuing that my life is never dreary or boring.

Thank You Lord for being my Saviour, Lord, and best Friend and giving me Your unconditional love that I’ve always needed.

Thank You Lord for keeping me healthy and well, and for helping me through challenging times and seasons.

Thank You Lord for keeping me safe and secure, helping me through all the tough times and being by my side through them all.

Thank You Lord for protecting me and all mine from harm; for always being there for us, having promised to never leave or forsake us.

Thank You Lord for the privilege of witnessing another Season of celebrating the Saviour’s Birth and looking forward to a brand-new Year!