It is said, “Elephants have long memories.” It is pretty clear that humans keep long memories, too. Some of us tend to remember the bad, unfortunate, and uncomfortable ones more than we do the good ones. We have to train ourselves to do as the Apostle Paul encourages in Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (NASB, 1995).
We can find a lot to praise and thank God, when we do what God’s Word instructs us to do. Even bad memories can have a silver lining – they can teach us valuable life lessons we might not learn otherwise. Recently, a person recounted how they got scammed by a slick talking person on the telephone. Well, although they lost money, they are now wiser and not so quick to trust people who call on the phone with some story.
When we do what God instructs us to do and dwell on the good, we can find an overflowing reservoir of things to be thankful about. It could be for God’s provisions and protection, progress and productivity, opportunities and options, and even encouragements and exhortations.
Thanksgiving and praise to God is not limited to just November but can be something we are engaged in 24/7, 365 days a year.
Ask yourself, “What memory are you thankful for this year?” “What is a favorite memory that you are thankful for?” It can be a favorite childhood memory, or a memory about loved ones, or a memory that makes you laugh and smile.
Find joy in remembering those events and experiences and thank God for the privilege of having that person or event in your life.
A blessed Thanksgiving to all,
Pastor Arnold
11/5/23