PSALM 100:

Make a joyful nose unto the LORD all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is GOD: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good: his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endures to all generations.

This wonderful Psalm of Thanksgiving, acknowledges God as Creator, Shepherd and Host. It is He who made us, we are the sheep of His pasture and we are encouraged to enter His gates with thanksgiving.

I realize that it is difficult at times to respond with an enthusiastic "all the time" to the call of "God is good". Nevertheless, God is good. Psalm 106 says, "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." Being thankful acknowledges God's goodness. In the midst of life's ever changing circumstances, our God is the Unchanging One.

As the great hymn goes: There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not: As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Being thankful not only acknowledges God's goodness, it also promotes contentment. Contentment is not one of my favorite words. But I have learned the value of focusing on what I have, not on what I have not.

This Thanksgiving I want to encourage you to make a list and check it twice. A list of everything that you are thankful for. Of course, your list will most certainly be full of more than just "things". I am confident, as you do this, you will find that your life is indeed blessed and that God is to be praised, for all He does, for all He gives and for all He is. For He is Good!