As Thanksgiving approaches, I am aware of so many things to be thankful for—family, church, blogging community and home.
On Thanksgiving my husband and I will have one of our daughters and her family, our son and his wife, at our home. I have ideas for activities for the grandchildren and a couple new recipes from fellow bloggers. I am looking forward to this day of celebration.
We will read some Bible verses together.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exalt in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9: 1-2
God’s greatest gift to us is the offer of salvation.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2: 4-5
In the midst of preparations for Thanksgiving, I am aware of difficulties among extended family and suffering that is happening in many places around the world. Perhaps you see things that prick your heart.
Praise and gratitude is mixed with questions and doubt.
The Psalmist was able to give praise and thanks in one moment. And then later wonder how God allowed some things to happen.
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1
There are no answers except the character of God.
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13
God is just and righteous.
As I give thanks, I will also pray for mercy and grace, lifting the circumstances beyond my control to the Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4: 4-6
Linking with Essential Fridays, A Little R & R, WholeHearted Wednesday, Titus 2sday, Words with Winter and Word of God Speak
Thank you for sharing your blessings.
I found your insight into the psalmists so interesting. I had never thought about how our “praise and gratitude is mixed with questions and doubt”. As I thought about it, I realized how true that can be.
Praising God that in the midst of my questions and doubt, He is my understanding Father who blesses me despite my doubts.
Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen, thanks for your comment. Have a blessed weekend!