10 Characteristics Of God To Be Grateful For This Thanksgiving
So often when we think of Thanksgiving, we think of going around the table and listing off the things that bring joy and security to our lives: family, jobs, food, health, etc.
It’s so important to recognize these blessings. Ater all, the Bible tells us every good gift is from above (James 1:17).
But what if we took a different perspective this Thanksgiving?
What if in addition to thanking God for what He’s given us, we also begin thanking Him for who He is? This practice can serve as a valuable reminder that God’s goodness is not rooted in what we have, but in His character and the cross of Jesus Christ.
Although it is hard to accept, the truth is that the family, jobs, and health that we are so thankful for can all pass away. However, shifting our thoughts from the creation to our Creator anchors our gratitude to something immovable; so that when life gets tough, we won’t waiver, but will remember and cling to the unchanging character of our God.
Below are a few aspects of God’s character to help get you started:
1. Generous
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11
2. Compassionate
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Exodus 34:6
3. Consistent
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
4. Redeemer
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” – Isaiah 44:22
5. Patient
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
6. Righteous
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” – 2 Corinthians 5:21
7. Loving
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
8. Protective
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
9. Faithful
“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19
10. Reliable
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
This season, we can remain thankful for all of God’s amazing gifts, but at the same time, may we also remember to praise Him simply for who he is: a good, faithful, and steadfast God. We pray that as you focus on these characteristics of our God, you gain a hope and peace that will never fade away.
