Thanksgiving Five

It is part and parcel of our nature to find ourselves wallowing in the problems we face and the struggles that confront us. Just as Jesus promised, we have more than enough trouble to go around in this world. And yet, we are to be people of thanks for we have received the greatest gift possible, life. We have been restored from our exile in darkness and given the ability to walk in the glorious light. We have been restored into kingdom of the King who matters. Our thanks should mirror God’s people who were once also restored from exile:

When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:

“He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.”

And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. (Ezra 3:10-13) 

Give thanks today for your struggles. Give thanks today for your restoration and return from the darkness. Give thanks for your family and friends, your wealth or poverty, your sickness or health. Give thanks that God has everything under his control…and that you don’t have to. Give thanks for your trust in that idea.

Be blessed. Happy Thanksgiving.