“When we choose to praise God despite the storms, our faith grows stronger and deeper, and He is honored.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 17, 2023
Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13, NKJV
Soon, families will sit down to a turkey dinner with all their favorite sides. Although many consider the Thanksgiving holiday as a day for turkey and football–which is undoubtedly part of the day–the central theme of this holiday that has been with us for generations is truly meant to be a time to give thanks to God. It has a religious derivation that has been debated since 1621, when the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving after their first harvest a year after making landfall in Plymouth, MA.
Thanksgiving was part of Israelite worship, as evidenced in the Psalms. Psalm 136 offers 26 verses of thanks to God for his providential care, beginning with:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1-3).
The psalmist’s words exemplify two magnificent things–gratitude for our God, the Lord of Lords, and the fact that His Love endures forever! We can be confident that God is good no matter the circumstance, and His love is without end, which reaches the deepest part of our hearts.
For many, as we approach the holiday season, it may bring about many emotions, and not all are those of thankfulness. You may have had a challenging year: sickness, relationship stresses, job loss, or the death of a loved one. It may be hard to give thanks, but thanksgiving means devotion, sacrifice, praise, or an offering.
So, if you find yourself in a funk, do something different. Offer up the sacrifice of praise. You may not feel like praising God, but when you do, it unleashes something deep within the spirit. To praise God and give thanks during those times when it’s the last thing we feel like doing takes personal sacrifice. We must place our feelings aside and lay it all on the altar before God, even if we don’t understand what He is doing. When we bring a sacrifice of praise, we believe that, even though life is not going as we think it should, God is still good and can be trusted. When we choose to praise God despite the storms, our faith grows stronger and deeper, and He is honored.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Prayer
Father God, I choose to give you all the praise and glory simply because you are my Heavenly Father and you love me unconditionally. Your love endures forever regardless of the circumstances that surround me and I humbly give you the sacrifice of praise with my whole heart. Amen.
Application
If you’re struggling through the holiday season, try lifting up the simplest of prayers: “Jesus, I need you.” He hears all and He will rush to your side as you call upon His name.
Related Reading
Psalm 135:3; Psalm 28:7; Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 7:17
Worship Resource
Selah: Wonderful Merciful Savior
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