What can we thank God for when the day has given us little to celebrate?
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
God gives Himself to us
1. His Son. Jesus gave His life to redeem us. While we were still sinners, He loved us first. Every spiritual blessing we receive is ours in Him.
2. His Word. The eternal Word became flesh and made the Father known. Through Scripture, God teaches and corrects us. We stand on His Word in trust and under its authority in obedience.
3. His Spirit. God makes His home with us. The Spirit of Christ helps us pray in our weakness, shapes us into Christ’s likeness and guarantees our inheritance.
God makes us His own
4. His Purpose. God is bringing all things together in Christ. He has justified us, adopted us and set us apart for Himself. Because we belong to Him, we are being transformed into the likeness of His Son.
5. His Mercy and Grace. In mercy, He spares us the judgement we deserve. In grace, He gives us what we could never earn. His mercies are new every morning, and His grace is sufficient for the day ahead.
6. His Character. No attribute ranks above another. At the cross, His holiness, justice, love and mercy shine together. We can trust Him even when we cannot understand His ways.
God teaches us to live thankfully
7. His Creation. The world bears witness to His glory. We can enjoy its beauty, thank Him for His goodness and care for what He has entrusted to us.
8. His Peace. Christ has reconciled us to God. Amid fear, illness or loss, His peace guards our hearts. Those extraordinary hands, wounded for our redemption, hold us now.
9. His Family. The Father has adopted us through Christ. We share life in the Spirit, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave us. Love is the perfect bond of unity.
God gives us a sure hope
10. His Promises. The One who promised is faithful. His Spirit is the first instalment of our inheritance. We can thank Him now for resurrection glory and the day we shall see His face.
Our greatest reason for thanksgiving is God Himself.
Prayer
Father, when I see only what is missing, turn my eyes to Jesus. Teach me to trust Your promises, obey Your Word and love Your people. May my life be a thankful offering to You. Amen.
Download the full article here