What Will You Give Thanks For This Year?

Many of us will look back on this year as one that we would rather forget. It can be so stressful at times as we continue to maneuver our new normal since Covid! Yet, many will look at this year and see all the blessings that arose as a result, and most importantly, they will see God's hand at work and give Him thanks for it.

We're currently studying a Thanksgiving devotional in Weight Loss, God's Way, that I developed to help fix our focus during this holiday season. Admittedly, it's been challenging to look at me and see how often I fail to give God thanks.

Sure, I thank God for my meals and other obvious blessings. But I often forget and take the credit that belongs to God. I often thank Him for what He does for me more-so than who He is.

Today as I shared about the sin of ingratitude, we saw how easy it is to take life for granted and see our lives as burdens instead of the blessings that they truly are. It reminded me of this poem I heard many years ago.

Thank you, God, for all I have to do today.
Thanks, God, for this sink of dirty dishes,
It shows we have plenty to eat.

Thanks, God, for this pile of dirty, stinky, laundry,
It shows we have plenty of clothes to wear.

Thanks, God, for those unmade beds in there,
They were warm and so comfortable last night.
And I know there are many who have no beds.

Thanks, God, for this bathroom complete with all the
Spattered mirror, soggy grimy towels, and dirty commode,
They are so convenient.

Thanks, God, for this finger-smudged refrigerator
That needs defrosting,
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers
For two or three meals.

Thanks, God, for this oven
That absolutely must be cleaned today,
It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that grass that needs mowing,
The lawn that will need raking, we all enjoy the yard.

Thanks, God, even for that slamming screen door,
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me
Says you have richly blessed my family.
I shall do them all cheerfully
And I shall do them gratefully.

Amen

~ Author Unknown

In all the challenges, God is there. It's His grace and mercy that keeps and sustains us. So let's remember to give Him thanks.

In Psalm 103, David boasts in the Lord. He says that He forgives our sins; He heals us from infirmities; He redeems us from death; crowns us with love and tender mercies; fills our lives with good things; renews our youth, and he goes on and on. Will you give thanks like David for who God is?

As Thanksgiving approaches for my friends to the south, begin to give some thought to how you celebrate Thanksgiving and what you're truly thankful for. Will this celebration be all about turkey and stuffing? Will it be just about giving God thanks for all His has done for you? Or will you take some time like David and remember all His benefits; remember His faithfulness; remember who He is and give Him thanks?

Have a Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving.

P. S. If you're looking for a step-by-step program to help you release weight while strengthening your faith, be sure to check out Weight Loss, God's Way. Each month, we study God's Word with the added benefit of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.