Pastor Chuck’s Corner: November

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever

(Psalm 107:1)

As hard as it might be to believe, as you read this we are but a few short weeks away from Thanksgiving. I am sure I’m not alone in wondering where in the world this past year has gone. Whoever said that time goes by faster as you get older, sure knew what they were talking about!

With this being true, perhaps that is one of the reasons why I enjoy Thanksgiving as much as I do. It provides me a date on the calendar every year that lends itself to slowing down long enough to say thank you.

As wonderful as the Holiday meal will be, along with the opportunity to share time with family and friends, it just feels good to remember to be thankful. Of course I am aware that this time of the year is not necessarily good for all folks.

Yet even with that acknowledgement comes the opportunity to express some gratitude. For example, if I know of someone who is down at this time, I can thank God for several things. For example, I can thank God that I not only know that individual, but I can also put love in action by doing what I can to help them.

What I am sharing with you is another way to think about giving thanks. In the scripture quoted above, we are encouraged to give thanks to God simply because God is good. My current circumstances, be they comfortable or lacking, should not play a significant part in my giving thanks. Though it is good and proper to thank God for our blessings, I find a deeper sense of love and awe for God when I simply remember to thank God for being good.

I also believe the practice of thanking God frequently helps my perspective on the day to day challenges and triumphs of life. Remembering to thank God simply for being God helps me to feel all the more secure in the relationship the Lord has established; with me and with all of us. Lastly, may the discipline of daily thanking God permeate your heart and influence your mind to be ever more aware of those who hurting and, with a heart filled with thanksgiving, may you seek to honor God by gratefully taking steps to help others always.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Pastor Chuck