" Be Ye Thankful "

 

Psalm 100:1-5  "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before HIS presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD HE is GOD: it is HE that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are HIS people, and the sheep of HIS pasture. Enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving, and into HIS courts with praise: be thankful unto HIM, and bless HIS name. For the LORD is good; HIS mercy is everlasting; and HIS truth endures to all generations."

     What memories do you have of Thanksgiving Days past ? Perhaps they include the preparations leading up to that day -- the sights and sounds and smells of baking pumpkin or apple pies along with other goodies. Thanksgiving Day brought the aroma of turkey roasting, the clang and clatter of the serving dishes that would hold the veritable feast which would be placed upon the table, the shouts of joy as various family members arrived. And then, hand in hand as you sat around the table, a prayer was raised of thanksgiving to GOD not only for the bounty of HIS blessing but for the quiet delight of being together as a family, praising the LORD for HIS goodness.

     You may be saying to yourself, "But that was Thanksgiving past." During the previous two years, government restrictions had an effect upon the outward appearance of Thanksgiving Day for many people in America. However, true thanksgiving (or giving of thanks) is a matter of the heart, and it can never be taken from us. Restrictions may come and go and may change drastically and often, but giving of thanks can only be curtailed if we succumb to the circumstances of life rather than centering our heart in GOD and HIS goodness. Thanks to GOD can and should always flow from our heart.

     In Psalm 100, a psalm of praise, verse four challenges believers to "enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving, and into HIS courts with praise: be thankful unto HIM, and bless HIS name." Thanksgiving plans and celebrations may change, but our gracious GOD never changes. Set your heart on HIM and recognize that you have every reason to "be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15 pictured at top of post) on this day and at all times throughout your life. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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