"Give thanks to the God of heaven. 

His love endures forever." -- Psalm 136:26

After a long journey, treacherous weather and rampant illness a small party of puritans arrived in a new land. In spite of loss and sorrow, they recognized the providential provision of God and they made the time to give thanks for his gracious care... because His love endures forever.

As the Psalmist reflects on the history of Israel, he connects every event with the covenant love of God for his people. He saw the hand of God in every step of the journey and called for praise and thanksgiving. He spoke of victories, miracles and provisions that the Lord faithfully poured out upon Israel. The years were also filled with struggles and hardships, but the Psalmist repeated the eternal truth that His love endures forever.

Today is Thanksgiving my friend. Have you taken time to reflect on your journey through the last twelve months? Were there struggles and hardships that seemed to overwhelm? How did you survive the storms and rocky roads along the way? You know that the Lord has been with you every day and though there may be ice on the deck, there's a fire in the hearth because... His love endures forever!