GIG

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1 NRSV

Why should we give thanks to God? Because God is good and God's love firmly endures no matter what.

God's love is not based on how much we love God. God doesn't love us in terms of how well we live or even if we sin. That is what makes it possilble for the sinner to pray the sinner's prayer. God is just waiting for us to turn away from our sins and to God. This is because God loves us so very much.

In the Old Testament, God gets angry a lot. And yet, God never truly gives up on God's people. They may be punished or redirected but God never abandons them. Often their own behavior puts them far away from God. But this usually directs them back to the one who loves them so very much.

So we should not just be thankful to God for physical blessings or good mental attitudes or what ever has brought us joy. We should be thankful because God loves us wholeheartedly and unreservedly.

God, we have much to be thankful for. Today, we give thanks for your goodness and your steadfast love which lasts forever. Thank you, God, thank you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims