Reflecting God’s Goodness

In one of the Songs of Ascent found in the book of Psalms you find these words: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (126:3). As we all reflect on our lives I think we could all make this statement. Understanding we have all had varying degrees of blessings throughout our lives, we have all experienced the goodness of God in one way or another.

As we enter the week of Thanksgiving and the broader holiday season of giving, I hope we will enter it with glad hearts knowing that the Lord has been truly good to us. It hurts my heart to enter another holiday season without my dad, but I certainly have so many years of beautiful memories with him that I can reflect on. I know each of you have battles that you have faced and will continue to face in the months to come. Yet, even in those struggles there are causes to celebrate and be thankful. James and Paul both remind us that in the struggles there are blessings that develop our character and purpose, and so we can rejoice in the hard times (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5).

As you gather with your family and friends this holiday season take the time to be thankful for the blessings of the past, soak in the blessings of these moments, and consider what great blessings await you in the future. The greatest of those things, and the constant regardless of whatever else may be happening, is that Jesus died for you to live, His Spirit lives within us as we walk this life, and an eternity awaits where we will be joined together with the Father, Son, and Spirit (and all those who have walked with the Lord) in eternity. That alone can make for a grateful heart.

I want to remind you of the lyrics of Counting My Blessings by Matt Maher and Seph Schlueter:

God, I'm still counting my blessings for all that You've done in my life
The more that I look in the details, the more of Your goodness I find.

Father on this side of heaven, I know that I'll run out of time,

But I will keep counting my blessings, knowing I can't count that high.

My family and I are wishing for you the most grateful Thanksgiving ever! May you see and feel the many blessings of God during this holiday season.

Ben