“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There was once a young shepherd who was minding his own business tending his flock. 

He loved God. With all his heart he loved God. He obeyed Him. He worshipped Him. He thanked Him. He walked in His laws.

When a giant came against the armies of the living God, this young shepherd defied the odds and human strength against him because he knew God was for him, on his side.

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

When this same shepherd was promised the kingship over all of Israel, but then was chased from his home, still he trusted God.

And when the current King brought his own country’s army against him to kill the shepherd, he believed in God’s promise for his life.

The shepherd did eventually become King over Israel and he conquered many nations and he prospered in the kingdom. Still he recognized God in all of his triumphs.

When the shepherd stumbled and sinned he realized his mistake and came to God to ask for forgiveness. In every situation he sought out God.

And when the shepherd’s baby boy became ill and died, even in the pain and the hurt, he worshipped God.

In every circumstance, King David, gave thanks to God.

Let’s remember this Thanksgiving that though we may have gone through some difficult times, though there may have been days where we didn’t think we could get out of bed, when we thought the whole world was closing in on us, God was still there. He was still there, right besides us, through all of the suffering. There is never a day you have to walk through the hurt alone. God loves you.

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him…” Psalm 103:11

Father God, thank you for your love, thank you for sending your Son, thank you for my beautiful family, thank you for a roof over my head and money to pay my bills, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to teach me your ways, thank you when I’m feeling happy, and thank you when I’m feeling sad. Thank you for the times everything went just as planned, and thank you for being there when my plans crashed and burned. Thank you in my loneliness, thank you in my abundance. God in every aspect of my life I give you thanks. You are the ruler of the universe, you are the King above all kings, you are Lord over my life.

Thank you.