Gathering in thanks

Psalm 117 is the shortest of all the psalms. But it says so much: “Praise the LORD, all you nations. Worship him, every race of people. For his mercy overwhelms us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.”

This week people throughout our country will gather with family and friends to observe a holiday that we call Thanksgiving. Sad to say, the thoughts and activities of many people will center more on food and football than on actually doing what the name of the holiday suggests—giving thanks to a gracious God for his countless blessings, both physical and spiritual.

I’m confident that your celebration of Thanksgiving will involve exactly what the psalm writer encouraged: You will praise and thank God for all he has done and all he has given. You will celebrate with humility and joy that he showers us with his overwhelming mercy and gifts even though we deserve nothing from him. And you will be filled with confidence and trust that our faithful God will continue to keep his promises to us long after the holiday celebration is over.

Have a blessed and thanks-filled Thanksgiving!

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder