Psalm 136:3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; 4 who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; 6 who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; 7 who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; 8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever…

Psalm 136 names marvelous things God has done followed by the refrain, “for his steadfast love endures forever”. It’s a psalm of Thanksgiving which I’m reading on Thanksgiving Day in the US. So I’m wondering how I might write a few verses myself.

O give thanks to the Lord of lord, for his steadfast love endures forever. It is God alone who:

• Provides for me and my loved ones everything we need
• Brings healing when we are ill
• Gives us a purpose and direction for life
• Forgives our many sins and transgressions 
• Extends to us eternal life through Jesus Christ
• Comforts us when those we love pass away
• So much more…

How would you add to this list if you were writing this psalm? If you’re like most people today brings both joy – and sorrow. Holidays have a way of bringing into focus that which is lacking, persons who are missing, relationships that are broken, and more. We don’t need to deny the hard things of life as people of faith.

Yet despite all that needs fixing in my life and yours, today we are encouraged to give thanks for all that is right, the blessings of God given by grace. Lord let it be so. Amen.