Psalm 107 tells Israel’s story. God brought His people out of slavery and into land of their own. But even after entering the Promised Land, they still struggled. Some faced hardship. Some wandered in the wastelands, hungry and thirsty. Some found themselves in deadly peril. But God heard their cries and delivered them from their distress. Again and again, the psalmist stops to give thanks:
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderous deeds for mankind.”
It’s easy to give thanks for the material blessings in our lives--an unexpected gift from a friend, a bonus at work, a perfect vacation with loved ones. But have you stopped to give thanks for God’s presence in the midst of your struggles? Like the people of Israel, we face struggles, hardships, and losses in our daily lives. But God is only a prayer away!
I was reminded of this in January when my dad passed away after a long battle with cancer. I’ll admit it: I had a hard time watching my dad go through chemo treatments, knowing that he was getting weaker day by day. But through it all, I felt God’s presence, and I experienced the peace and comfort that only He can bring. And so, like the psalmist, I remembered God’s unfailing love and I gave thanks.
What about you? When Thanksgiving rolls around, will you look back and remember a time that God was with you when you were facing a struggle of your own? Did He give you peace? Or comfort? Or rescue? If so, then be sure to follow the psalmist’s example: Give Him Thanks!
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