Thanks to God...For Everything!

Thanksgiving is a time of year when we gather with family and friends around a table overflowing with food. It’s a time that is centered around food and fellowship. It’s easy to let that take center stage on Thanksgiving Day and say a quick prayer before we dig in to the feast.

But, we also need to make sure that we sincerely thank God for not only providing the food we eat and the gathering of our loved ones, but to thank him for EVERYTHING. And that includes things that we may not normally consider a blessing.

As you count your blessings and thank God for the good things he’s done in your life, make sure you thank him for not just the roses, but the thorns, too!

Sure, thorns hurt, but when we trust in God and his plans for us, it makes it a bit easier to weather those storms that inevitably come. When I look at how God has worked in my life, I see situations that I prayed for and thought I knew what the best outcome of it should be, but God had another plan for me.

I’m thankful for those times when he said, “no” or “wait” to my prayers. Of course, I’m also thankful for the times he said “yes” and the incredible blessings he’s given me!

But, when we truly thank him for both the joys and the sorrows, he gives us that peace that passes all understanding… and isn’t that really more important than any kind of blessing he can give us?

This Thanksgiving, I pray that God showers you and your family with his love and grace… and peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bountiful Blessings,
Martha

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Copyright © 2008 Martha Hadley. All rights reserved.