Remembering Abraham Lincoln's Words of Thanksgiving

 

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)