A Season of Thanks

by Kelly McFadden

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. —Psalms 119:160

This holiday season, you will most likely hear the song “My Favorite Things” from the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. To me this song has always felt out of place during the holidays, until recently. I have begun to hear it in a new light, recognizing the famous list of “favorite things” as a list of reasons to be thankful. The character Maria, who sings this song, thinks about her list of favorite things when she seeks comfort.

Christians have a list as well. Found in the Bible are promises from our Lord – keepsakes we can cling to at all times including periods of worry, trouble, or despair. These promises urge Christ-followers not to be troubled or to feel alone. They are words offering great hope because they are not the words of mere men. They are inspired, never-changing words given to us from our Savior and Lord. Read through a few of these promises below:

The Lord will give His people strength. Psalm 29:11

The Lord hears our cries. Psalm 34:17

The Lord will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5

The Lord will answer when you call to Him. Jeremiah 33:3

You need not be afraid. God is with you. Isaiah 41:13

The Lord will give rest to your burdened soul. Matthew 11:28-29

The Lord will comfort you. John 14:27

The Lord has given us His Spirit to guide us. Acts 1:8

You will have everlasting life when you believe. John 3:16

The list can go on and on. The Lord promises us mercy, protection, strength, eternity, love, and forgiveness. As it says in the Bible, God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18) and His word is truth (John 17:1). We cannot look at God’s promises like we do those of our friends and family. As people, we often promise, but don’t follow through, even when we have the best of intentions. God’s Word is binding and true. These promises hold fast. We do not have to wonder if they will happen. Rather, we ought to wait in expectation. So “when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when you’re feeling sad,” I encourage you to remember all God has promised you. It is in these promises you will find great strength.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving, in addition to thinking through all you are thankful for, take time to thank God for His many promises.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Spend some time today reflecting on some of God’s amazing promises.

2. Say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all He has given you as His adopted child.



Today's Bible Verse...
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

—James 1:12

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
I don't know about you, but it is hard for me to appreciate our need to go through trials. In fact, trials in life are just plain hard to tolerate! This is especially true when we are in the middle of them. But as believers in Jesus, we have some key spiritual reasons to persevere under trials. One of the very best reasons to hang in there when things are tough spiritually is God's promise to give us the crown of life that can't be taken away from us.

My Prayer...
Gracious God, thank you for promising the victor's crown of life to me. Empower me to persevere through the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

 

 

 

 

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