Giving thanks on Thanksgiving

We have just celebrated on of the most pure holidays that we have in this great country. Thanksgiving is recognized by most as a day set aside for remembering how blessed we really are and to spend quality time with friends and family.

Every year when I begin to think about Thanksgiving the old hymn written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1897, "Count Your Blessings," always comes to mind. The words that this man wrote for young people in his day has survived as a great reminder of how the Lord is so good to us. As we read those words reflect on how they apply to us today. It is truly a timeless song.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does that cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count you many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their land and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count you many blessing, wealth can never buy,

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great of small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

The words of the more modern song "Give Thanks" also speak to our hearts and encourages us to remember where the blessings come from.

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One.

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let weak say I am strong, let poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.

Psalm 107:8, "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men."

1 Thessalonians 5:18, " ... in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Let us all remember the goodness of our God, and give Him praise, honor, and thanksgiving.

Leo Kruger is pastor of Valley Christian Fellowship and is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.