Est. By God | The Book of Joshua
Give Thanks to the Lord | For He is Good & His Love Endures Forever
While we wait between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet,’ we can give thanks and rejoice that the one and only living God, the Lord of all the earth, does not change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and His mercies are new every morning! He actively works in our lives, preparing us for what lies ahead.
Because of His love…
1. Our identity is established – ‘we belong to the Lord’ (vs. 1-9)
- Belonging to the Lord means learning to accept that His ways are not our ways. His ways are higher than our ways (cf. Isa. 55:8-9; Rom. 8:28)
- God is gracious and merciful, giving His people opportunities to renew their commitment to Him and embrace their identity in Him (cf. Ps. 86:15-16a; 1 Jn. 1:9)
- Belonging to the Lord removes our shame (cf. Isa. 54:4; Rom. 8:1-4; Rom. 10:11)
If you are dealing with guilt, reproach, or shame, repent, don’t wait. Be fully restored to the Lord today!
2. Our security is established – ‘He will meet all our needs’ (vs. 10-12)
- Security for the child of God does not mean that we will always be safe, or that we will never face adversity or hardship (cf. Jn. 16:33)
- The security we enjoy is grounded in the peace we have in Christ Jesus (cf. Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14a; Php. 4:7)
- In Christ, we can live securely knowing that all our needs will be met according to the riches of God’s glory in Christ Jesus (cf. Ps. 145:15-16; Lk. 12:24; Php. 4:19)
Who or what are you trusting in for your security? Remember, God’s provision for His children will never end. He does not always provide in the same way, but He always provides.
3. Our hope is established – ‘He will always be with us’ (vs. 13-15)
- When we are living according to God’s will, everywhere He leads us is holy ground and we ought to live accordingly (cf. 1 Cor. 10:31)
- Be encouraged, the Lord surrounds your life (cf. 2 Chron. 16:9a; Ps. 18:1-2; 34:15; 125:2)
- His presence with us empowers us for His mission (cf. Mt. 28:19-20; Jn. 15:5b)
Are you feeling hopeful or hopeless this Thanksgiving? If you are feeling hopeful, rejoice, and continue to live in His presence and empowerment. If you are feeling hopeless, remember that the God who you belong to, will meet all your needs and has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Dt. 31:8).
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