“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and don’t forget any of his benefits” (lavished upon you). Psalm 103:1-4
Dear Jesus, we’re Cinderella with amnesia—forgetful of wonder, oblivious to our Gospel enrichment, absent-minded about every good thing we have in you. But not today—today is a day for photographic grace-memory and whole-hearted thanksgiving. Why, of all people, should we be grateful?
“Who forgives all your sins” – When you said, “It is finished,” you meant it. Though one Day we’ll be more like you, Jesus, we’ll never be more forgiven than we are today.
“And heals all your diseases,” – Jesus, you don’t always heal on our timetable or in the exact way we pray. But you have secured perfect health for us forever. All the ways sin and death have impacted our bodies, emotions, and thinking—it’s all going to be over, healed, and made new.
Who redeems your life from the pit” – Along with rescuing us from the pits of sin, death and judgment, you also rescue us from the alligator-infested pits of pity-parties, resentment, comparison, ingratitude, and contempt… to name a few.
“And crowns you with love and compassion,” – You wore a crown of thorns that we might be crowned with your love and compassion. Your banner over us is now and only love. Your delight in us is full-throttle and non-stop. Your coming for us is more certain than our stingless-death and next breath. We are loved and we are yours and we are grateful, Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Forever! So Very Amen.