THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

 

Thanksgiving In Canada, the holiday was intended for the “public and solemn” recognition of God’s mercies.

 

And in that day you will say:  “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me,

Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.

 

1.      Isaiah says in that day.  Which means this day.  “Lord, I will praise you.”  Thank you for what you have done.  Though you were angry with me.  Our sin caused that.  James says sin is knowing what to do is right and don’t do it.  David said in Psalm 51, “Against you and only you have I sinned.

2.      You anger is turned away.  Jesus Christ did that by allowing his body to be broken and His blood to be shed.  His death, burial and resurrection satisfied the anger and wrath of God.  He who knew no sin became sin for us.  He paid a debt he did not owe; I owe a debt I could not pay.  Jesus paid it for us.

3.      After the anger and wrath were met the Lord comforted us.  The Lord eased or alleviated our feelings of grief or distress.  Paul knew this feeling so well.

 

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;

He also has become my salvation.

 

1.      "God is my salvation" means that God is the author or source of salvation, and it has not been brought about by any human hands but is to be traced directly to him. It means that we do not trust in might or wealth, or any manifestation of our own strength to save us, but we surrender to God and put our faith in his perfect Son.

2.      The result is that we will trust and not be afraid.  Faith is trust completely in the Lord.  We are not afraid because we have love, power and a sound mind as Paul reminded Timothy in 2 Tim 1:7.  We are not afraid because of God’s love and the hope He brings.

3.      For YHWH means God our creator, source, sustainer is our strength and our song.  Resurrection power is available, and it creates an outgrowth of song and singing according to scientific research does ten things

 

a.      Relieves stress.

b.      Stimulates immune response.

c.      Increases pain threshold.

d.      May improve snoring.

e.      Improves lung function.

f.       Develops a sense of belonging and connection.

g.      Enhances memory in people with dementia.

h.      Helps with grief.

i.       Improves mental health and mood.

j.       Helps improve speaking abilities.

 

4.       God become my salvation.  This is my identity, function, and goal in life.  It is who He is and now who I am.

 

Therefore, with joy you will draw water.  From the wells of salvation.4 And in that day you will say:  “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.

 

1.      Joy is the result of you drawing water from the wells of salvation.  Connecting your spiritual pipe to the waters of salvation.  Joy is the deep-seated contentment knowing the Lord is with you.  Jesus said out of your innermost being will flow rivers of living water.  He told the Samaritan woman that the water he gives will quench the thirsting of her soul. 

2.      When you are connected you will express thanksgiving and praise for what has happened. 

3.      The three results of this connection are you will continue to call on his name and make him the centre of your life.  You will testify and declare his deeds among the people in your world.  You will make mention of his name and you will declare his name to be exalted and lifted up.  Jesus said if He be lifted up, He will draw all people unto Himself.  Jesus said, “If His people do not lift Him up the rock and stones will cry out.”

 

Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.  6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

 

1.      Isaiah loved music and enjoyed the choirs appointed during the times of Uzziah and Hezekiah.  He encourages his audience and readers to sing, and the motivation is He does excellent things.  He goes above and beyond His love, kindness, goodness, grace, and mercy are some examples.  This is known throughout the earth.  Creation and conscience are the silent witness about the Lord.  Talk about the little boy and the Scottish Boatman.

2.      He exhorts the people of God to Shabback.  This is the shout of triumph.  This is a release of spiritual enemy which brings down the walls of opposition.  It is a loud tone designed to get everyone’s attention. 

3.      The reason for this is the great God f Israel and the people of God is in their midst.  God is present in His glory, essence, nature, and character.  Remember where two or three gather He is in the among them.  When we agree in prayer it shall be done.  Thanksgiving is about celebrating the blessings, benefits, and promises you have.  It is much more powerful and meaningful when done with others.  So today or tomorrow invite others and be thankful and grateful.