World Olivet Assembly (WOA) churches across the United States observed the Thanksgiving holiday with a special service giving thanks to God for the past year. In the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 5,16-18 that says "rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," congregations offered their gratitude for God's faithfulness and mercy.
The yearly holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of thanksgiving in our relationship with the Heavenly Father who is with us through joyful and difficult seasons. Scripture is full of verses and stories that speak of gratitude, and also contains many songs of praise. A Psalm that the WOA selected for this year's Thanksgiving was Psalm 136 that includes three main parts: the first section speaks about the God who created us, the second part about the God who saved us, and the third part about the God who preserves us.
Furthermore, every line ends with the phrase "His love endures forever." The Hebrew word חֵסֵד (Hesed) that is translated as "love" actually expresses a profound kindness, affection and benevolence that God shows towards His people. Thanksgiving reminds us of this profound goodness, faithfulness and love regardless of our circumstances, because God created us, saved us through His Son Jesus Christ and He also preserves us now and always. May we always give Him thanks and praise!
Psalm 136 (NIV)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights-
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings-
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan-
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
