Unpack This...Living With ThanksgivingSample

Memorable Moments Make Us Thankful

As NFL fans, we experience memorable matchups and countless classic moments throughout the season. When reflecting on particular games with amazing big plays and nail-biting fourth quarters, we may even feel “thankful” for sports.

As followers of Jesus, we similarly witness many special moments throughout our lives. When we take the time to remember God’s continuous favor, deliverance, provision, and handiwork, it should trigger feelings of sincere thankfulness – especially during the Thanksgiving season.

God showed His ongoing faithfulness to His people in the Bible, as well. In the fourth chapter of Joshua, He specifically tells Joshua to have his men gather twelve stones from the Jordan River to create a memorial for all that He had done for them.

In verses 21-24 we are told, “Then Joshua said to the Israelites, ‘In the future, your children will ask, “What do these stones mean?”’ Then you can tell them, 'This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.”’

‘For the Lord, your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and He kept it dry until you were all across, just as He did at the Red Sea when He dried it up until we had all crossed over.

‘He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.’”

By recalling God’s amazing faithfulness in our lives and all the wonderful things He's done for us, we are reminded of why we follow Jesus. When we remember that He’s worthy of our trust and hope, we are better focused to keep on going in our faith journey. 

Today, as we think of all the awesome NFL games that give us reasons to continue being loyal sports fans, let’s allow our remembrance of God’s love, grace, and power to keep us steadfast as His followers…and fill us with heartfelt thankfulness.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please fill my mind with memories of all the times You’ve come through and revealed Your faithfulness to me. You always give me more than I deserve, and I pray I’d have a heart of gratitude for the many times I’ve experienced Your goodness. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.