Weekly Devotional: Remember and Give Thanks

READ: Joshua Chapters 3-4

In Chapters 3 and 4, we see the fulfillment of a promise that God made to Moses, as an extension of his covenant with Abraham. For forty years, the Israelites suffered tremendous hardships which caused them to wander the wilderness where several generations died. In spite of this, God continued to care and provide for them. After Moses’ death, God raised up a leader in Joshua. It was Joshua who would take the surviving Israelites into the land that God had promised. God instructed Joshua to build a monument of twelve stones to forever remind the people and their children of the day that God cut off the flow of the Jordan River, so they could cross into the land that God had promised them forty years ago.

I know that many are having “wilderness” type experiences, especially with preparations for the Thanksgiving Holiday, communicating with and appeasing family members and friends, while some are facing the uncertainties associated with holiday travel. In addition to this week, I know that others are exhausted and overwhelmed with their daily commitments in life. When facing life’s challenges, it sometimes feels as if we are wandering and it can be difficult to remember God’s goodness and all that he has done for us. We are prone to forget. Therefore, we are not thankful. Do not allow your daily concerns or life’s challenges strangle the joy that accompanies thanksgiving.

God will remember you just like he remembered Joshua and the Israelites. He is concerned about you and the issues in your life. Likewise, God wants us to consciously remember him. If we show a little faith, he will get us across the “Jordan Rivers” that we may face. If we make God our top priority, we do not have to waste forty years or more before we see his promised blessings come to fruition in our lives. When God blesses our lives, even in an unexpected way, we ought to remember and be thankful.

REFLECT: Have you ever considered the specific experiences that God has used to change your life? What did those experiences mean to you at the time? How has the meaning changed over time? How do you remember those experiences? For what experiences are you thankful?

RELATED READINGS: Exodus Chapter 3-4, Matthew 6: 25-34, Psalm 103, Psalm 27

Lord, I prayer for my friends this week. Help them to remember who you are, what you have done, and how you continue to work in their present situations. Let them know that they can trust in you. I pray that they start a new tradition, legacy, or memorial this week with their friends, families, and the children that they influence, to remind them all of your grace, your goodness, and your love. I pray that you will reconcile relationships and grant peace over this holiday season. We are so thankful. In your son Jesus’ name, Amen.

© Natasha L. Robinson 2010

In honor of Thanksgiving, I am sharing one of my favorite gospel songs by Richard Smallwood & Vision. Title: Thank You