“The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” [Psalm 103:6-9, 17-18]
We are all adjusting to a Thanksgiving that is going to be different from our usual observances and expectations. While we may not have the customary people around us, and we may approach “Black Friday” with extra cautions in place, there is a lot to be thankful about. We are going through difficulties that are very inclusive; nobody is unaffected. It has been hard to continue being encouraged as the things that limit us seem to go on and on no matter what we do, think or say.
Yet the words of the psalmist offer us a lot to be thankful for. Vindication and justice, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love from everlasting to everlasting, are just some of the things that the LORD has put on our plates. All of these are for those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. As we embrace the spirit of this Thanksgiving season, and as we prepare for the Advent season that follows immediately, may we all love God with all we’ve got and our neighbors as well. We really are blessed. Yes; blessed to be a blessing is our call.
Blest Are They
Blest are they who seek peace;
They are the children of God.
Blest are they who suffer in faith;
The glory of God is theirs.
Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you, holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the kingdom of God!
Go forward with thankful hearts. Go forward into the world with God’s renewing and strengthening Spirit. May that Spirit fill us full of praise and joyous affirmations of life. Amen.
Pastor David Brosnan