by Barbara Latta
Our
country just held an election in the middle of much chaos and strife. Whether
the results were what you hoped for our not, we need to remember that God is
our Savior, not politicians.
If every
position were held by a person of godly integrity, we would still need to
remember that these are only humans who will always have faults. We should
always look to our Sovereign Lord as the one we depend upon.
During the turbulent Civil War years of America, Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation. As you read these words, try to remember what was happening in the land and what this leader faced trying to hold a broken country together. Lincoln’s words of gratitude are still relevant today.
“The
year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of
fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly
enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others
have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail
to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the
ever watchful providence of Almighty God…No human counsel devised nor hath any
mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the
Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath
nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they
should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart
and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow
citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and
those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last
Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our
beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
America
still has problems, and we always will because we are not perfect. But if we
can look past our differences and focus instead on our God whose mercies are
new every morning, we can find plenty to be thankful for.
I am
grateful for the God of all comfort, peace, and prosperity. I am grateful for the sacrifice of Christ and for the identity He left for us to live in. I am thankful for
America and the foundation we have enjoyed. I am thankful for my friends and
family and those of you who are part of Navigating Life’s Curves. I
appreciate your support and wish you a blessed Thanksgiving season.
All our blessings do come from our Most High God. Please
feel free to share thoughts about what you are thankful for.
Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation is still relevant today. (click to tweet)
I love your concluding g statement-“all our blessings come from the Most High God”. Each night I thank Hid for five things about my day- things money can’t buy and man can’t make. That practice gives me perspective.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, your daily practice can inspire us all to remember to be thankful. Things money can't buy are the most important gifts and the ones that are lasting. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteNothing can replace our Lord. He is our lasting gift and that relationship with Him can't be imitated. Thanks for sharing, J.D. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Ms. Diane!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this history on the establishment of Thanksgiving. I think it significant that the President faced tremendous pressure and constant worry about the future of our country, yet he knew the importance of being thankful and expressing thanksgiving for the blessings we are given. Happy Thanksgiving, Barbara and family.
ReplyDeletePresident Lincoln's words are an inspiration to us about how to be thankful even in times of turmoil. The Civil War was a time or horrible trials and we haven't faced anything like that since. His proclamation shows us we can always find something to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing, Marilyn. Blessings!
DeleteHow beautiful are the words of Abraham Lincoln. I often long for leaders like those of yesterday whose Christianity was front and center. Thanks for the reminder that all leaders are human and our Lord is the only one we can truly count on to lead us to the promised land.
ReplyDeleteI'm most filled with gratitude for my family this Thanksgiving. I lost another dear brother this year and this has shown me we cannot take our time with our earthly family for granted.
Most of our leaders of yesterday were filled with integrity and displayed a love for our country. That's not to say we don't still have some who stand for what is right, and I am thankful for those who do. I am sorry for the grief you experienced this year. I also just lost a young nephew 2 weeks ago. I am thankful for our God of comfort and peace who surrounds us with His love. Thanks for sharing, Candyce. Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteBarbara, I found Lincoln's words reassuring and challenging. I appreciate this statement you made which puts what we experience into proper perspective: "But if we can look past our differences and focus instead on our God whose mercies are new every morning, we can find plenty to be thankful for." Amen.
ReplyDeleteOur former president had many words of wisdom that helped our country survive through turbulent times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jeannie. Blessings!
DeleteI learned from your post, thanks. It is always wonderful to remember how things began. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts, Yvonne. We can all learn so many lessons from our history. Blessings!
DeleteI would love to have known Lincoln as a president. His words are always so beautiful. At a rodeo we attend the announcer always reads a letter Lincoln wrote to a mother who lost her sons in the civil war. It’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteLincoln led our country with much wisdom. Meeting him would have been a great honor. His words still affect people as indicated by the letter read at your rodeo. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
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DeleteThank you, Barbara, for this encouragement during these days of chaos and strife you mention. God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Nancy. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Blessings!
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