Scripture for Today: Psalm 86:12 “I will give thanks to You, Lord my God, with all my heart. And I will glorify Your name forever.”

Somehow, Thanksgiving is not a success unless the table groans with the amount of food! This AI image gives one idea of success with the turkey taking center stage. Everything is cooked to perfection! The dessert even makes an appearance at the same time as the main dish. No one looks harried or stressed. And everyone is dressed to perfection, including the food. No one is grabbing, crying or fighting! Do you find it hard to relate to this image?

Today’s verse is at the heart of Thanksgiving for the believer. As much as we want to thank family and special people in our lives, our thanks to God is heartfelt, daily and forever! We want to recognize everyday the blessings He gives, both material and spiritual. And a Thanksgiving feast, as wonderful as it is, can not even compare to our future wedding supper of the Lamb! (Rev. 19:9)  Praise and thanksgiving in the presence of our Savior will rival any earthly feast!

Thanksgiving Day can mean many different things to different people. Perhaps, the idea of a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving scene seems ludicrous in some families experiencing difficulty. Giving thanks can especially be hard after recently losing a loved one. In times of economic stress or declining health, subjects of thanksgiving are not what come to mind. But even in the darkest times, there is always reason for the believer to give thanks…our salvation – full, rich and free!  Is not that the biggest reason to give thanks?

Lord, I will be forever thankful for You.