In this time of worldwide turmoil some may wonder if there is any reason to be thankful. International turmoil, protests in American cities, political uncertainty and fears about global warming join with personal sorrows to make the world seem a dark and miserable place. Despite the incredible problems threatening the peace and stability of our world everyone has great cause for thankfulness. Despite personal tragedies a person may suffer everyone has an abundance of reasons to be thankful.

Everyone can, and should be, thankful because every good thing in life is a gift from Another. Thankfulness is necessary because the universe owes humanity nothing. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are not owed to anyone of any nationality. Life itself is a gift and the continuance of life is the generosity of the Giver of life who sustains all things. (Colossians 1:17) Happiness and the things which bring it are gifts from the Source of all joy. (Psalm 43:4) The sun that fuels life and the rain that nourishes all creatures is the gift of God. (Matthew 5:45) The sun is God’s to do with as He pleases, yet He in His goodness chooses to send its rays across the entire world. (Psalm 19:4-6)

Psalm 104 teaches many reasons to give thanks to God every day. He is the Creator who formed the earth and rules continually over it for its protection. (Psalm 104:5-9) God sends the rivers and streams across the lands for the good of all the birds and beasts of the earth. (Psalm 104:10-12) God waters the earth with rains and satisfies it’s thirst. (Psalm 104:13) He causes all plant life to grow for the benefit of people. He gives daily bread and much, much more. He gives sweet fruit drinks to gladden hearts. He gives oils to refresh and cleanse. He gives bread to strengthen people’s hearts. (Psalm 104:14-14)

God plants the trees as a nesting place for the bird. He formed the hills and cliffs as homes for wild animals. (Psalm 104:16-18) God set the sun and the moon in the heavens to mark the seasons and days. He gives day and night for the good of all creation. (Psalm 104:19-23) All receive their food from the hand from God. “You open your hand, they are filled with good.” (Psalm 104:28)

Everyone has abundant cause for thankfulness. Even in tragedy and sorrow God’s good gifts are still evident. The food in the refrigerator, the sun in the sky, the birds in the trees and animals in the fields are all gifts from God. He sustains those gifts by His daily, gracious giving. Give thanks because all you have is from God. Give thanks because God has given you more than the basic necessities. Give thanks because God provides abundantly, sumptuously and generously for His creation. Though the curse of sin continues to be felt in every life, the gifts of God are greater. Thank Him for all He does.