GratitudeUzorak

Thanksgiving

There are many things that I think are admirable about American culture, one of which is the tradition of taking time to be thankful together. I really appreciate that there is a regular opportunity where America stops to be thankful.

The Bible is full of commands and invitations to be thankful for everything that’s excellent and praiseworthy – the greatest of which is God. But I wonder how often you stop to recount the ways you are thankful to God for what He’s done and given to you. Each night before we pray, I ask my kids, "What can we thank God for today?" It doesn’t have to be a huge list, but we’ve learned the value of making sure we stop and thank God for whatever has been good and a blessing that day. Some days, my kids struggle to think of something, so it may be thanking God for the chance to sleep. Some days, their list is long – but there’s always something for which we can be thankful to God.

In Psalm 100, Israel is being called to worship God. It’s not just because of the things He’s done or the days they’ve had but because of who He is! God is our creator. He has made us His people. He provides for us. He’s given us a way to be with Him. God’s name is great. He is good. His love and His faithfulness endure forever. The list could go on and on. Because God is worthy of praise simply because of who He is. Maybe this should be a list I have up for my kids and me to see and remember – that it is not our circumstances but His nature that makes God worthy of praise!

Written by KATIE SMITH