Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Psalm 95:1-3: “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”

On Thursday, November 24, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving.

For many New Yorkers, Thanksgiving is a day to look forward to. We may eat tasty meals and enjoy the company of loved ones. For others, Thanksgiving may bring challenges like loneliness, regret, anger over the state of our nation, or grief because of an empty seat at the table.

Whether or not we are looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday, Christian New Yorkers should remember to be thankful. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. We live in a nation where we can worship the Lord freely (unless, of course, there is a public health emergency). We also have the rare opportunity to speak our minds and to elect our own leaders. Even those of us who struggle financially often enjoy a level of material comfort that would be unimaginable to most of our forefathers and foremothers.

Most of all, though, we should be thankful for our savior, Jesus Christ. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8b). “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (I John 3:1a). We are deeply loved by God the Father and by His Son, Jesus. Let us give thanks to the Lord, and let us share His love with others.

May God bless you this Thanksgiving, and always.