November 29:
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your
wondrous works declare that Your name is near. – Psalm
75:1
The Psalms are an earthy, often dramatic look into the heart
of men and the mind of God. The psalmists often appeal to
recognizable and familiar features of nature to attempt to
describe God. Various Psalms observe the awesomeness of
a mighty river, a waterfall or a raging storm and reflect on
the greatness of God reflected in His creation.
This same theme is not lost in the New Testament. In fact,
Paul appeals to the general revelation of God in creation
and says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that
they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
As believers, we often allow our circumstances and
attitudes of the day to determine our level of gratitude.
When things are good, we are thankful. When times are
tough, we have a hard time being thankful. That is our
human tendency, which cannot be denied. That being said,
it should not be ignored either.
Ultimately, it comes down to choice…again. Throughout
the Bible, we are encouraged to find joy and
gratitude…even when we are hurting or in the midst of
trial. My encouragement is this: take a look around.
Observe the mighty works of God, even in the details of the
fall colors or dormant season of winter and be thankful.
Our God is awesome, even when compared with the
expanse of the universe. Give Thanks!