SALT Challenge - Give Thanks

This week it was Ester's turn to set the challenge on the SALT blog and she choose a timely topic of giving thanks with a grateful heart. You can read her entire write up here. November, with the holiday of Thanksgiving, is traditionally a time when people conjure up lists of what they're thankful for but shouldn't we be thankful and grateful every day for the many blessings that are bestowed upon us by a merciful and loving God. Most importantly, the gift of salvation brought to us through Jesus Christ. Psalms 107:1 says, "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." In verses 4-6, talking of how the children of Israel were wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt, "They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He led them out of their distresses." And later in verse 8-9, "Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." The Psalm ends with sound counsel, "Whoever is wise will observe these things and they will understand the loving kindness of the Lord." If you are alive and walking around today, praise God, He has given you that ability. His hand has delivered your provisions; jobs, food, your ability to succeed, homes, clothing, etc. God even gives daily provisions to those who curse Him, as evidenced by so many who are well off and yet never mention the name of God, except in a profane way. And yet there are just as many who suffer terrible disease, hunger, emotional distress, loss, but are able to each day sing with joyful hearts the wonderful praises of an all knowing and loving Creator. (Check out Johnny Farese's site to read the testimony of someone who suffers joyfully. He's an inspiration!) If we claim to love God, how can we not thank Him each and every day not only for our provisions but also for the cross of Christ, where we can be relieved of our heavy burden of sin, and the work of the Holy Spirit that enables us to be thankful even in the midst of great distress. There is a hymn that says:

"Why should cross and trial grieve me? Christ is near ,with His cheer, never will He leave me.

Who can rob me of the heaven, That God's Son, for my own, to my faith hath given?

God oft gives me days of gladness; shall I grieve, if He give, seasons too of sadness?

God is good and tempers ever, all my ill, and He will wholly leave me never."

I pray that today you may be compelled to lift up your voice in thanksgiving and praise, with a heart overflowing with gratefulness, for how God has blessed your life! Please visit the SALT blog to see all of the beautiful creations made by our talented design team!