Give Thanks

"Give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good; For His lovingkindness endures forever."

Psalm 118:1

Life is hard. People deal with sickness, death, pain, and suffering throughout their lives. As Christians, we are not immune to any of this. Let’s face it, sometimes it is challenging to deal with the life that we have. Sometimes we don’t feel like praising God and thanking Him for the pain and suffering that we must endure.

Yet, as believers, we know that our suffering is not without purpose. We might never understand God’s purpose, but we know, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) Cathy and I have experienced His lovingkindness throughout her dealing with Parkinson’s. Her body suffers, yet our faith grows as we experience His mercy and grace, which enable us to persevere. Many would say it’s not fair when valleys come, yet I can echo Jobs’ words with all sincerity: “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept calamity?” (Job 2:10)

It is easy to forget just how good God is when life feels overwhelming or unfair. However, the psalmist reminds us that God’s goodness is not situational; it is always constant. Every sunrise, every breath, every act of provision is a reflection of His character.

The psalm emphasizes not only God’s goodness but also His lovingkindness—His steadfast mercy that never fails. The word “endures” reminds us that God’s mercy is not temporary, conditional, or fleeting. Unlike human love, which can fade or fail, God’s lovingkindness stretches forever through every trial, every sorrow, and every joy. Gratitude naturally flows when we meditate on His eternal goodness. To give thanks is more than saying “thank you”; it is an acknowledgment of God’s unchanging character and faithfulness. It’s choosing to see life through the lens of His mercy, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark