Citizens of the United States and Canada celebrate a special thanks event this time of year. We get together with friends and family to

• visit and play
• eat and watch parades and sporting events on television
• share a big Thanksgiving meal

Most folks also take time to recount their blessings. Some do it publicly around the Thanksgiving Day table, others in private devotion time. Blessings that usually top the list include family members, friends, a safe home, health, an education, and a land of freedom. Reflection time reminds us of some of the great benefits we enjoy daily.

We dare not forget the incredible blessings we enjoy as God’s children. Ask yourself, “Would I still have anything to be thankful for if I lost everything I now hold dear?” Some have experienced great loss this past year, yet even they have much for which to be thankful.

As Christians we have a source for enjoyment in life and peace of heart that extends far deeper than recounting family blessings and material possessions. Paul reminds us of this in Romans 8:28-39. He begins with, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). He continues by enumerating some of the blessings we enjoy in Christ, such as

1. A God who loves us unconditionally.
2. A God who knows us individually by name.
3. A God who cares enough to work all of the events in our lives together for our good.
4. A God who has predestined us to become like His Son Jesus Christ when we accept His plan of salvation. Once we accept Christ, He gives us the power to live for Him daily as He leads us safely to heaven.
5. A God who loved us enough to give His Son to minister among us, then die on the cross for our sins.
6. A God who is “for us,” who meets our spiritual needs. If God is for you, what more do you need?
7. A shield of protection around our heart and character that prevents any charges or condemnation from the evil one to affect us.
8. A best friend who sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us.
9. A God who makes us more than conquerors. That is, we don’t just squeak by in a photo finish; we win by a country mile.
10. A love from God that keeps finding its way to us. A love that cannot be taken away by trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death, life, angels, demons, present, future, powers, height, depth . . . absolutely nothing. Nothing will ever change God’s everlasting love.

Yes, we have much for which to be thankful. We are the richest people in the world because we know the God Paul describes in Romans 8. We find life’s fulfillment in relationship with God. Be sure this week to stop and thank Him for His incredible love, then fall in love with Him more completely than ever.

Frank Moore

General Editor, Church of the Nazarene