Around Thanksgiving, we often are asked to list the things we are thankful for–friends, family, freedom, and such. We recount what God has done for us in our lives, remembering moments from our past when he has saved us, healed us, provided for us, loved us, forgiven us, and equipped us. But what if genuine thankfulness requires more than just recalling what God has done already? Maybe, in order to embrace all that thankfulness has to offer, we must also remember what God WILL do!
God is a promise keeper, a covenant maker. Our Good Father promises to strengthen us and help us (Isaiah 41:10), never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:8), instruct us and teach us (Psalm 32:8), give us rest (Matt. 11:28), renew us (Isaiah 40:31), give us peace (Phil 4:6-9), fight for us (Exod. 14:14), give us wisdom (James 1:5), forgive us (1 John 1:9), and give us eternal life (John 3:16). Of course, those are just a small sampling of all God has promised to do for us. The Bible is a whole testimony to God’s love and compassion for us all; it shows us just how far He is willing to go draw us to Him. Story after story in scripture reveals how God has kept His promises in the past and how we can trust him to keep His promises in the future.
No matter what our past or present holds, we must keep our eyes focused on the future God promises us. Your past may be full of heartache, trials, and pain. The moment you are in right now may be difficult, stressful, and far from anything you desire. But thankfulness cannot be all about today and it cannot be all about the past. It is about looking to the future and remembering what God has promised He will do. I am thankful that my past and present are not all there are for me. Praise be to the Promise-Keeper who I can trust with my future!
Growing By Surprise 