Thank you, God!

We have a Thanksgiving tradition in our family where each person at the dinner table prayerfully thanks God for something in his/her life. I am always touched by the breadth and depth of God's blessings! Lindsay recently continued that tradition with friends in Japan - way to go, Lin!

In our American culture, Thanksgiving often is translated into a vague sense of appreciation for what we have, rather than an opportunity to thank the one who is the giver of all good things. Below are some verses that can help us reflect on what we can thank God for – you might want to share some of these around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Eat well and be thankful!

1. His love for me. (Psalm 107:1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

2. My salvation and Christ’s sacrifice for me. (1 Corinthians 10:16) Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

3. God’s righteousness. (Psalm 7:17) I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

4. His Word – the truth that guides me. (Psalm 119:62) At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

5. Trials that He has allowed in my life – and through which He has sustained me and developed my character. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

6. His strength and protection – physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally (Psalm 28:7) The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

7. His blessings given to me – family, friends, health, vocation, “daily bread” (Matthew 15:36) Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

8. His blessings given to others (Psalm 107:8) Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

9. My gifts and talents; His call to me to serve and love others, and to proclaim Christ (1 Chronicles 16:8) Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

10. The fellowship of believers – my church and other ministries in which I participate (1 Thessalonians 1:2) We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

11. In the midst of challenges, His peace that goes beyond understanding (Philippians 4:5-7) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.