“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” (Ps 95:2 AV)

Years ago I recognized that I must maintain an attitude of thankfulness to keep a proper perspective and enjoy the blessings of God.  It is so easy to lose our focus in a world filled with sin and violence the we fail to recognize God gracious hand at work.  James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”   When I pause and consider the many blessings I have received from God, then I am filled with thanksgiving and praise to our gracious Lord and Savior.

From the wisdom of the Scripture our forefathers recognized the importance of setting aside a time every year in which we as individuals, family, and as a Nation lift our voices in thanksgiving to God.  When we focus on our blessing and where they have come from our hearts are filled with gratitude.  Thankful people become gracious people.  Gracious people are a blessing to all those around them.

I realize that we live in a world and a culture that seems to be increasingly focusing on what they don’t have rather than what they do have.  Let us not be distracted by those many voices out there that would have us sink into despair.  Rather let us lift our eyes heavenward and recognize the abundant blessings that God has granted unto us.  Let us fill not only our minds and hearts, but also our voices with praise and thanksgiving toward God.  Let us lead our families, communities, and nation in focusing on all that we do have.  Let us use this holiday time to set the focus for the entire year on the gracious blessing that come from above.

May all come to know the grace for salvation that is granted to us from our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Bob Gunderson

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.” (Ps 100:4 AV)