Oftentimes we rush through the celebration of Thanksgiving. We see this holiday as a stumbling block in front of Christmas. My son laments that EVERYONE has their tree, lights, and decorations up and we are late to the Christmas game. He swears this is not hyperbole (can you see my imaginary eye roll?).
But thanksgiving is vital to spiritual health. Not just the holiday, but the act of giving thanks. Hearts satiated in thanks better comprehend the story of God’s redemptive love. Thankful hearts see our wayward souls and a faithful God. A heart that gives thanks recognizes how sinful we are and how God meets us where we are in our lowness.
I focused on Psalm 107 for this Thanksgiving poem. This Psalm shows God forever in love and constantly saving his people. No matter how deep or dire the situation has become, one cry to God, and He’s our great rescuer, sending out a search party, ready to find and save us. There is no delay on his part.
We are the unfaithful ones, but God’s steadfast love endures forever.
This poem reminds us that no matter what we do, good, bad, or ugly, God’s opinion of us never changes: He loves us fully.
A desert wanderer deep in my soul,
My eyes staring out like bleak, dreary holes.
The sand threatened to tackle me still,
My body conquered and physically ill.
A cavern to hold my guilt, fear, and shame,
My dry bones weary and feeling the blame.
I cried out to Heaven, Lord, I need you,
Expecting a cold judicial review.
Paralyzed to move from this place of death,
Would I really receive a grace-filled breath?
The Lord answered with His steadfast kindness;
His love delivering me from blindness.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
His mercy reclaims the misunderstood.
He fills and satisfies the longing soul,
The redeemed overflow with a heart made whole.
God delivers us from our distress;
Our sin is met with his faithfulness.
Let us sing joyfully in thanksgivings,
Laying down our burdens and misgivings.
God’s steadfast love endures forever,
Nothing can change his love whatsoever.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hope it’s a wonderful celebration of remembering God’s faithfulness, pursuing a quiet Advent with him, and resting in the knowledge that no matter what, God’s love perseveres.
