Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5, ESV
Our God has done so much for us. He is good and faithful, and He has showered His love on us through Jesus by the Holy Spirit! We have much to be thankful for.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
Perspectives matter. Yes, there are plenty of bad things in this life. There are also good and beautiful things provided by God, most especially His grace and mercy as found at the cross.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1, ESV
God has shown His love by cleansing us of all of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We do not understand how grateful we should be, but we will have eternity to learn and give thanks!
So, if you are reading this, be thankful you made it through the year!
Even if 2019 was the hardest year of your life, or you hate the politicians, or circumstances could have been better …
… give thanks to God. And start the year in thanksgiving.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15, NIV
Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18b-20, NIV
I could write a love song Tell you what I think you want to hear But it wouldn’t be good enough, no Yeah, I could try so hard To give it everything I’ve got But I’m not ever gonna measure up
(Chorus) All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof All I can do is say thank you All I can do is say thank you
It would have been easy But I’m glad you never walked away Cause your love runs deep for me And I see this beautiful world and it brings tears to my eyes And I think it’s beautiful to be free
(Chorus) All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof All I can do is say thank you All I can do is say thank you
For love, for hope, for all the ways Yeah, for everything you do What else can I say but thank you Thank you
I could write a love song Tell you what I think you wanna hear But it wouldn’t be good enough
(Chorus) All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof All I can do is say thank you All I can do is say thank you
All I can do, all I can do, all I can do is say thank you (repeat)
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6, ESV
It can be hard to NOT worry in life. However, if we continuously draw near God through prayer and thank Him for everything in life – even the hard stuff – we will find His strength keeping us afloat and beyond worry.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
Philippians 1:3, ESV
Do you love and pray for the Church? We may not always agree on everything, but it is our family. We should pray for each other with thanksgiving everyday.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2, ESV
Do not merely recite prayers “because you have to.” Pray continuously, seeking God, His will, and wisdom, but also being aware of your world and those around you. And thank Him for His provision, that He is in control, and His love and grace.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!