November 5, 2023
Topic: HONOURING GOD IN ANNUAL THANKSGIVING
Text: Psalms 100
Memory Verse: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” Psalm 100: 1
There is hardly anyone who does not desire God’s blessing; who does not want life to be satisfying and productive. This longing is deep rooted in all of us, as it has been built into us by our creator God. Towards the end of every year, we take stock of various events in our individual lives. While some have reasons to thank God for His blessings, others feel there is nothing for which to thank God. “For sheol cannot thank thee, death cannot praise thee; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for thy faithfulness. The living, the living, he thanks thee, as I do today” (Isa. 38:18, 19). Therefore, because we are all alive, we have every reason to honour God in thanksgiving in year 2023.
Let all of us therefore rejoice before the Lord in our gorgeous attires, bringing out our drums, trumpets, harps, timbrels, strings, sounding cymbals, offering, gifts and honour God in thanksgiving. “The Lord inhabits the praise of his people” (Psalm 22:3). Let us forget about ourselves in praising God, singing melodious songs, dancing before Him, for the Lord has been good to us and His love will continue to abide from everlasting to everlasting. As we worship God, praising Him and honouring Him in thanksgiving, we are increasing our awareness of His presence.
Perhaps, there is someone here today, who is downcast because all hope and expectations have been dashed and unrealized. Take heart, it could be the prelude to a new encounter with the Lord. Hannah, went into the temple with a heavy heart, she poured out her soul before the Lord. Prophet Eli pronounced “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to the Lord” (1 Sam 1:17). The answer to that prayer was the gift of Prophet Samuel. Similarly, may the God we worship answer your prayers also and may you see the result in Jesus’ name, Amen. Wishing all a joyous and blessed Annual Thanksgiving.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, may our worship, praises and thanksgiving be acceptable to you. May your glory fill our hearts in Jesus name, Amen.