From the Pastor’s Heart…

 November 22, 2009

I will bless the LORD at all times:

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD…

O magnify the LORD with me,

and let us exalt His name together.

-        Psalm 34:1-3 (AMP)

As we approach our Church Thanksgiving Dinner this evening with the concert by the Wehry’s… and as we approach our own Thanksgiving Day family times or ministries that we may be involved in, we are reminded that no matter the season, God has given you something worthy of praise.

In the winter, the earth is clothed in pure white and icicles glimmer off of rooftops. In the spring, the flowers and trees are in bloom for you. The beauty of the summer is self-evident. And the autumn harvest brings trees in the most wondrous colors.

The same is true in our lives. Throughout life we all travel through many seasons (Eccl 3:1-8). No matter how cold a winter or how scorching a summer, if we look closely, we can always find rays of God’s provision shining through… a reason to praise Him… a reason to give Him thanks.

The Psalmist said, “I will praise the Lord at all times.” Having this kind of thankful attitude is always a choice. There will be seasons in your life when  saying a hearty “Amen” or “Praise God” feels like the hardest thing to do. It’s almost like it physically hurts.

But it is still something that we must do as true believers.

We honor God when we decide, that no matter what the circumstance, God is still worthy of thanks and praise.

Here is a Thanksgiving Day Challenge:

While you’re sitting around the Thanksgiving table this year, take some time to put this into practice: “I will recount and tell aloud all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds!” Have everyone go around the table and talk about the goodness of the Lord! It is a topic of which the reservoir is always full.

It is a joy to be your pastor.