Giving thanks always and for everything
to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 5:20 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, thank you for only commanding things that intensify our joy in you and worship of you. Gratitude is just such a transforming command. As your children, we have a copious supply of reasons to be and stay grateful. On this first Monday of November, we want to get a jumpstart on Thanksgiving Day.
Thank you for granting us 100% forgiveness, declaring us righteous in Christ, and hiding our lives in Jesus. You cannot love us more and you’ll never love us less. That’s not cliché, a mantra, or mere “gospel-speak.” It’s the best news, now and forever.
Thank you for sovereignly ruling over all things all the time—including the 2020 USA presidential election. Though we sometimes question your timing and ways; all we have to do is ponder Jesus’ cross, and we’re reassured of your heart.
Thank you for the kaleidoscopic colors of leaves in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the sound of waves crashing the shores of Pawley’s Island. Thank you for the taste of our favorite foods and the childlike-fun of water coloring.
Thank you for the assurance that Alzheimer’s and cancer, mental illness and addiction don’t get the last word. Because the gospel is true, we can vex less and “chillax” more; fear less and trust more; sleep deeper and live more peace-fully. Thank you for gospelicious friends with whom to share this next season of life.
Thank you for college football, old movies, and new adventures. Thank you for no more condemnation for our sins; and for deploying angels everywhere all the time. Thank you for sovereignly bringing people to the knowledge of Jesus from every race, tribe, tongue, and nation.
Father, thank you for the coming Day of wiped tears and redeemed sorrows, no more sin in our hearts and the fulness of your glory covering the earth. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.