Our pursuit of thankfulness faces relentless challenges. The fallen world we live in conspires with our fallen nature to sow seeds of discontent in our hearts. Celebrating others’ success when we’ve stumbled, finding satisfaction when our neighbor outshines us, and maintaining joy in the face of life’s trials can be daunting in a world seemingly arrayed against us.
Of all the things we can be thankful for, nothing surpasses our gratitude for the salvation secured through Christ’s sacrificial death. He bore the punishment for our sins, providing eternal life to all who believe. To truly celebrate Thanksgiving, we must gather at the Lord’s Table and reflect on the cross.
“Giving Thanks for Salvation” highlights the primary reason for Christian gratitude. However, it also emphasizes our rightful place in God’s redemptive plan.
The truth is, salvation is not ultimately about us; it’s ultimately about God. In fact, everything in existence serves God’s glory. Our salvation begins with God’s choice, justification, sanctification, and ultimate glorification of us. Romans 11 concludes with a doxology proclaiming, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
How marvelous it is to be unworthy beneficiaries of God’s plan to glorify Himself by redeeming sinful people. Understanding this should diminish all discontent and disappointment. Helen Lemmel’s hymn offers sage advice to those burdened by worldly concerns: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
Our need to be continually reminded of this great salvation never diminishes. “Giving Thanks for Salvation” serves as a soul-stirring reminder of where our gratitude should always be anchored.
- “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
And here’s a positive quote:
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
Joyful-Echoes 