A Hobby Lobby enthusiast, my sentimental heart pitter-patters in delight when burnt orange, rust, and gold cluster on every shelf in various forms. Pumpkins, placemats, and placards boast words and phrases like “Grateful”, “Blessed”, and “Gratitude is an attitude”. And I wonder if I am living as though am grateful and blessed.

Last night, I wept in my husband’s arms—fearing the worst. Borrowing worry. Thinking that the God who rescued me from an eternity separated from hope might be incapable of saving his beloved child from the jaws of mental illness.

I easily slip into a mindset of lack and fail to express gratitude, but its importance is emphasized throughout scripture.

 

6 Reasons We Can Have Gratitude and Key Bible Verses on Thanksgiving

He has done great things. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. (1 Samuel 12:24 NKJV)

While the news and social media fill our minds with images and headlines that provoke fear, the prophet reminds us we only need to fear, or remain in awe, of God. Wars, floods, and the onslaught of negativity grow dim when compared to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

When we focus on His victory on the cross—and in our lives—eternity changes our perspective.

When we focus on His victory on the cross—and in our lives—eternity changes our perspective. Click To Tweet

His goodness abounds. 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 NKJV)

A beautiful Psalm celebrating the rescue of the Israelites in the wilderness, this is the cry of exultation when one miraculously recovers from a grievous illness as well as the shout of joy offered when a new believer realizes Christ sacrificed His life hers.

 

His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures (Psalm 136:1 NKJV)

Once forgiven, always forgiven. Oh, the incredible mercy of God! The Cambridge dictionary defines mercy as “kindness shown toward someone whom you have the right or power to punish.” Friend, the Lord’s vast mercy extends as wide as Christ’s arms stretched on the beams of the cross.

Once forgiven, always forgiven. Oh, the incredible mercy of God! #mercyofgod Click To Tweet

Those of us who know Jesus as Lord can give thanks and praise for His lovingkindness.

 

He is in control. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28 NKJV)

 

Seismic shifts rotate the earth’s crust and buildings crumble as the planet roars in protest, but the Father in heaven is unmovable. He is neither surprised nor overwhelmed by the birth pangs nor by the plans of men.

 

Our unseen kingdom awaits. Be steadfast, dear one. The Lord is your strong tower. (Psalm 18:10)

 

He gives us victory. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV)

The word victory infers battle and scripture contains an array of verses describing warfare. But what victories does the Christian ultimately gain through Christ? How about victory over:

-death (Revelation 21:4)

-sin nature/sin (Romans 8:12)

-Satan and spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12)

– world (1 John 5:4)

 

Oh, yes, gratitude swells in my heart as I meditate on tall He has done!

 

He gives us peace. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NKJV)

Do you long for peace of mind? Peace in your relationships? Peace in a world too easily bent on destruction?

 

The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) offers each of us shalom–a redeemed relationship with God and internal peace. And one day soon? He will bring peace, or shalom, to all people. Racism, terrorism, and war will cease and His righteousness will rule.

Final Thoughts on Gratitude

As we move into the holiday season, I want to offer the Lord intentional words of praise. Moments–even days–offered up in gratitude for all He has done, is doing, and will do in my life and the lives of my loved ones.

Even when words struggle to form on my lips–because “He is mighty to save” (Zephaniah 3:17) and “the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2).

Peace and grace,

Tammy

 

I sometimes link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda Tuesdays InstaEncouragements Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story//Let’s Have Coffee /Sweet Tea and FriendsThursdays /Salt and Light/Simply Coffee and Jesus Friday FriendshipFriday/Blogger Voices Network /

 

 

Lauren Sparks

 

Tammy Kennington

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