Sunday, October 10, 2010

A Thankful Heart

In filipino culture, we do not have Thanksgiving day. But I remember that in our Patts family tradition we usually have Thanksgiving day where all the family gathered together, not in October or November but we do it on New Years Eve. We had dinner, sharing what they're thankful for, fun and praying together. Even when all of us have their own families now we still carry that tradition till this day and passed it on to our own family! and even more blessed because we do it twice a year :)

But we should have a thankful heart not only once or twice a year, but it should be a daily gratitude of what the Lord had done in our lives?
In Psalm 68:19 says "Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation". This passage was intended to be used in worship by Israel as a song of victory and deliverance. It recounts the many difficulties they endured and speaks of them being afflicted, sinful, experienced hurt and pain, yet this Psalm recalls that God provided his people in tough times and in the days of bountiful blessing in the promise land. In both the good times and the bad, God blessed them and cared for them. His people knows that and thank Him for it.
Often in the bad times we failed to recognize God's hand of blessings. At times we may not even see any positive in our situation but God always gives blessing even though they many not be seen.
May we find things to be thankful everyday of the year, not once or twice but a daily gratitude of what the Lord had done in our life. See God's hand at work in us and praise Him. He gives us multiple blessings. Yes, we face difficulties sometimes but focus on the load of blessings that surround you and thank God for them. In the bad or the good times, Thank and praise Him for He is good!

Happy thanksgiving everyone!

2 comments:

Cindy said...

You're right, "God is so very good, and He is good to us all of the time". I have learned to say that every time disappointment comes my way, and what a difference it makes in my attitude. Another saying that I love is "Am I humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?" It's usually one or the other.
Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family, we love and appreciate you with all of our hearts. And we are humbly grateful to be a part of your church family. I am practicing Thanksliving!
Big hugs, Cynthia

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving Sister Jane! I am so very thankful for you and for your encoaraging words. I love you dearly.