Giving Thanks

July 17th, 2024
by Debbie Clay

For the next several weeks, we will have guest authors for our Words for Wednesday. Today our guest author is Debbie Clay. Enjoy!

Giving Thanks

One of my bookmarks has a pretty painting on it. On the back it states, “Celebrating the season of gratitude.” This card was sent to me from our car insurance around Thanksgiving time. As I thought about the words “season of gratitude,” it implies that being thankful is only for a season. However, we should always be thankful, day in and day out as the Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

As I reflect on being thankful, I am reminded of the song, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” As I begin to name my blessings, I notice a shift in my attitude. I am not grumbling. Instead, I am praising God. My heart is singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34).

Also, I am recalling all that God has done for me. I can rely on Him with my future problems as well because I know what He has done for me before. I can be more peaceful and less fretful as Philippians 4:6-7 declares, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”

In addition, I can now tell others of how God has sustained me. I can be an encouragement to others by words and deeds so that they may see the faithfulness of the Lord. Then their hearts can say, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalm 28:7).

Let every day be a thanksgiving of praise to the Lord. Let your hearts sing:

Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ His Son.
And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks

These are your Words (and songs) for Wednesday.

In Christ,
Debbie