I want to continue the theme of Thanksgiving in my devotions for a couple of days. I have been considering how easy it is for us to expect to be blessed, to the point that we don’t even consider thanking God for it.

A little over 20 years ago when we still had some of our girls in high school and living with us, I was on my way out of the house early in the morning. I walked past the freezer on my way to the garage and stepped in a puddle of water. I looked at the freezer and the door was open about four or five inches. Evidently, the freezer was so full that when the last person who took something out of it tried to close the door, it didn’t close tightly. I know I complained about all the fish and meat and other things we lost. It was not until later in the day that I realized how blessed I was! What a problem to have – a freezer that is so full that you can’t get the door closed! What a reason to give thanks to the Lord!

I also remember around that same time the county reappraised my house. They increased the valuation of my house over 80%. 80%! My property taxes almost doubled from the previous year. My initial reaction was what most of you would do: I complained. But again, upon further reflection, it occurred to me that I should be grateful that God has blessed me not only with a home that has increased in value, but also with the resources to maintain it and even to pay my taxes.

It sometimes takes me a while to remember God’s goodness. It sometimes takes me a while to the get the proper perspective of things. I need to go through attitude adjustments. The way that happens for me is when I quit focusing on my own thoughts and turn my attention to God’s Word. I find it especially helpful to read the Psalms.

Psalm 92:1  It is good to give thanks to the Lord And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

I have used that last passage as a prayer after meals, but it is good to say it every day as a reminder to be grateful. I’ve got plenty of reasons to be thankful. I have a need to express my thanks to God. And the same it true for all of you.

My greatest reason for giving thanks is my Jesus. Because of Him, I know and experience God’s love in my life. Because of Him, I know I have forgiveness for my sins – He paid for them with His life and death. Because of Him, I am certain of eternal life with my Lord and all the faithful.

When I remember that, it puts things back into perspective for me. Thanks be to God.