"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him alone who does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who spread out the earth above the waters,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the great lights,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting:
The sun to rule by day,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting..."
Dear Friend,
Today we gather with family and friends to share in a Thanksgiving feast. Of course, for some, it's just an opportunity to eat a big meal, watch football, and plan for the next day's shopping trip. But many will take time today and reflect, even those who do not believe in God.
Being thankful is a good thing. It reminds us that what we have and what we do are not owed to us. They are given. Each moment of our lives is an experience of great mercy.
I've long pondered over this verse: "for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous". (Matthew 5:45)
In its context, Jesus tells us that we are to love our enemies. That is hard. Yet, this verse reminds us that God does exactly what He calls us to do.
Why does God give good things to those who are evil?
Don't they deserve only evil?
Yes! But, don't we all?
Who among us can stand on our own merit before God? Alas, no one can.
"as it is written, 'There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one." (Romans 3:10-12)
So, why does God give good things to those who are evil?
I can think of two reasons:
1. He is merciful.
"But You, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth." (Psalm 86:15)
2. He wants all men to come to Him, and will draw them by His mercies.
" 'Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked', declares the LORD God, 'rather than that he should turn from his ways and live'?"
"Who remembered us in our low estate,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And has rescued us from our adversaries,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
Who gives food to all flesh,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His kindness is everlasting." (Psalm136:1-9,23-26)
As we pause this Thanksgiving Day, we have many reasons to come to God with our prayers and songs of thanksgiving. Let us direct our thanks to Him, and may we have opportunity to point others to the One who gives them all reasons to be thankful.
Heavenly Father, We thank You today. You give life and hope to all. You offer salvation to all. You love without measure. You are merciful.
