Thanksgiving Challenge

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night…” (Psalm 92:1-2). 

Would you be willing to try an experiment with me? Here’s the challenge: Every morning and every night for the next seven days, I want you to write down at least one reason you have to give thanks to the Lord. 

Start with just one week. Keep a journal or notebook handy. When you wake up in the morning, whether before your feet hit the floor or perhaps after your first cup of coffee, write down at least one way God has shown you His steadfast love. And in the evening as you unwind think of at least one way that God has shown you His faithfulness, and write it down. 

Need help getting started? Sometimes our minds get foggy and our lives so busy that we hardly even give thought to the myriad ways God works in us and around us all the time. Our awareness of His presence is often sorely and sadly absent, to our own discredit and dismay. 

The Bible says it is good to give thanks to the Lord. No doubt it is! A life lived with thanksgiving to God is a life filled with the nearness of God, the help of God, and the glory of God. And truly there’s no better way to live. 

So here are a few questions to stir your heart and mind to giving thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love in the morning and His faithfulness at night. 

Has the Lord given you wisdom in making a difficult decision today? Has He reminded you that He will never leave you nor forsake you? Has He revealed His compassion through the kindness of a friend, or a stranger? Thank Him for it! 

Has He surprised you with a new joy after a night of sorrow? Has He given you comfort in a trying time? Has He filled your heart and mind with a peace that passes understanding? Has He answered a prayer? Has He protected you from harm? Thank Him for it! 

Has He surrounded you with friends and family who love and encourage you? Has He revealed His glory afresh to you in the handiwork of His creation – a beautiful sunset, a star-lit night, a rippling brook, or a gentle snow? Thank Him for it! 

Has He given you courage to face a new challenge? Has He given you insight and understanding into a situation? Has He been a refuge in the storm? Has He provided for you this day your daily bread? Has He supplied your needs in abundance? Thank Him for it! 

Has He assured you of His forgiveness and cleansing from your sin through the blood of Jesus? Has He freed you from the chains of addiction? Has He given you new life through faith in Jesus, His Son? Has He promised you eternal life and encouraged your spirit in this hope? Thank Him for it! 

Has He poured out His Holy Spirit upon you to guide you, counsel you, teach you, and help you? Has He led you to a church family where you are welcomed and loved, nourished and strengthened in the faith, and given opportunities to serve using the gifts and abilities God has given you? Has He excited your heart with purpose and passion in your work, in your ministry, in your mission? Thank Him for it! 

Friend, it is good to give thanks to the Lord! Take this challenge for a week – then keep it up if you find it helpful. And just see whether or not you agree that giving thanks to the Lord is good for your soul. Happy Thanksgiving!