Give thanks to God, for He is good.
His love endures forever. Psalm 107:1
Its really hard to pick out my favorite verse. This is one of them. In this entire Psalm, the writer is thanking God for all that He has done for Israel.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We have had a year of trials and tribulations, but also some amazing victories and blessings. I remember at the end of 2019 we all said, “GOOD RIDDANCE 2019!” Then came 2020. But, God has been gracious. God has been good. His love endures forever. Even for those of us who have experienced loss, our loved ones have been rewarded beyond belief. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says. “No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” So, though our grief may be deep, our loved ones reward is beyond imagination.
Thanksgiving with large groups of multi aged adults can get a bit dicey. There are lots of conversations that should be avoided to keep peace.
I have a friend who posted on Facebook,“Ruin Thanksgiving dinner in four words.” The responses were hysterical. Here are a few of my favorites: We’re back in lockdown, I tested Covid positive, My mom’s cooking is better, who’d you vote for, and Covid is a conspiracy.
For some families, we need to sound a buzzer, bell, or clicker when something controversial comes up. Then we just sound the clicker to say, “change the subject”. So here are a few good ideas to keep things on a positive note:
Psalm 107:1 is just the first part of a long list of things to praise God for. Go around the table and say, “Give thanks to God, for He is good.” Then say something for which you could praise God.
Each of the children receives a package with a Thanksgiving craft. Be sure to do the craft and then talk about it at the table.
Play the game, IN MY GRANDMAS ATTIC. To play, everyone takes a turn thanking God for something. The trick is that the first person has to say something that starts with the letter A. The second person says something what the letter A was and then something that stars with the letter B. The third person says A, B and then something that starts with the letter C. Continue around the table.
Sing a song of thanksgiving. Maybe, COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS, or GOD IS SO GOOD. Be sure to say why God is so God. It could things that He has provided or even just why He is good.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Praying that your Thanksgiving will not be anxious but a time of peace which will surpass all understanding. And remember, Give Thanks unto God, for He is good. His love endures forever.
Pastor Greg