Happy Thanksgiving!!

In spite of having some rough patches over the past few months we are delighted to remember Christ and the many reasons we are Thankful this Thanksgiving season!! Hope you were able to reflect on what you are thankful for this season, while entering into Christmas; where we, as Christians remember Christ, our Savior in his birth and sinless life. We are most thankful for His life and how we are made new in light of His perfect work on the cross. (2 Cor. 5:17)

We live life with this on our hearts and are thankful to endure life (the good and the bad) for His glory. That means being thankful, in all circumstances. Remaining steadfast and joyful as we trust in the Author and Perfecter of our Faith.

"..let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
    Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
(Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV)

There are thousands of places in the Bible that point to Thanksgiving rather than fear. Look at David in the Psalms. He prays fervently, letting his requests be known, while also thanking the Lord constantly for his steadfast love and continuing to relay his trust in the Lord. I have been most encouraged by his prayers and songs of Thanksgiving. 

Here is just one Psalm that has been an encouragement/prayer/song/ etc. to me during our suffering and especially in light of this Holiday Season.

Psalm 86

Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me,
        for I am poor and needy.
    Preserve my life, for I am godly;
        save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
    Be gracious to me, O Lord,
        for to you do I cry all the day.
    Gladden the soul of your servant,
        for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
    For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
        abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
    Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;
        listen to my plea for grace.
    In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
        for you answer me.
    There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
        nor are there any works like yours.
    All the nations you have made shall come
        and worship before you, O Lord,
        and shall glorify your name.
    For you are great and do wondrous things;
        you alone are God.
    Teach me your way, O LORD,
        that I may walk in your truth;
        unite my heart to fear your name.

    I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
        and I will glorify your name forever.
    For great is your steadfast love toward me;
        you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

    O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
        a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
        and they do not set you before them.
    But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
        slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
    Turn to me and be gracious to me;
        give your strength to your servant,
        and save the son of your maidservant.
    Show me a sign of your favor,
        that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
        because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Praise the Lord for His goodness to us that while we were sinners He died for us!! (Romans 5:8)
That is something to be thankful for 365 days a year!