Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!” (1 Chronicles 16:31-36 ESV).
While we have a specific day in the United States for “Thanksgiving,” many countries don’t have such a holiday. I find that a bit odd. After all, aren’t there as many reasons to celebrate with gratitude as there are nations? Actually I could expand the question and ask whether our gratitude ought to prompt us to celebrate every day with thanksgiving. That’s the encouragement of our reading today: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” This precious teaching runs throughout the Bible. Sometimes it’s repeated word for word (ie.: 1 and 2 Chronicles, Psalms, and Jeremiah). At other times its meaning is clearly present; and, that is the case in every Bible book.
Our earthly relationships are so fragile. We often get separated from each other by new experiences and fading memories, by long distances and impenetrable borders. Eventually, we are separated by death itself. Yes, all our earthly relationships are insecure, except for one — the relationship we have with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This relationship is so enduring because of the Lord and his eternal love for us. Jesus showed this love in the most vivid way by dying for us on the cross. Then he rose from the dead to be seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Perhaps the reason this is not so apparent to us each day is found in our basic nature. We crave the “new.” We chase after the “bigger-better-faster” in life. I am very happy with the development of so many new things in our lives. I am not an advocate for the “good old days.” While they were good in many ways, so is today. The only real constant in the decades we have lived is that of our loving Savior, Jesus. And, perhaps that’s the reminder we need today. He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever”… and that is GREAT news indeed! Use that truth to prompt your gratitude!