I have seen many of my friends on Facebook stating what they are thankful for.  I too am thankful for many things: my family, my friends, my life, and everything else that God has provided for me. The thing I am most thankful for in my life is my salvation.  Almost 2000 years ago Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for my sins, paying my debt so that when I die I will not have to suffer forever.  And that is more important than anything else.

One of the hardest parts about this whole idea of being thankful, is thinking biblically about it.  Ephesians 5:20 says that we are to be “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  James says that we are to “count it all joy when we encounter various trials….”   I believe this means that we are supposed to be thankful for every single thing that happens to us.  I know that sometimes that’s not easy, and some people actually get angry when we suggest that they should be thankful for everything, but that’s the truth.

I think specifically of one of the worst things that any person can experience:  having a loved one die.  According to God, I am supposed to be thankful that the people I love have died.  It is a lot easier to be thankful though, knowing that they trusted Christ before they died, because I know that, as much as I miss them, they are more alive right now than they ever were here on earth, and they are having the time of their lives.   I am sad because I can’t be with them, especially today, this holiday when we gather with family, but I do not sorrow like those who have no hope.  I know I will see them again, and for that especially I am thankful.

May God bless you and yours on this day of Thanksgiving.