My justification (Ephesians 1:7-10). Through the eternally effective blood of Christ, my depraved heart was cleansed of all unrighteousness. I was forgiven, and my redemption was secured. In a magnificent process that began before the foundations of the world, God planned the justification of His people (Eph. 1:4). And I am one of those people because of the amazing grace of God and the compassion He had on me.
My adoption (Ephesians 1:5-6). Not only have my sins been erased by the Lamb, but I have been welcomed to His family. God has adopted me and promised to love and care for me. Sometimes we focus so much on the frown of God, we forget that, because of Christ, God delights in us. God loves His children.
The Word of God. Living, active, beating, sharper than a two-edged sword, the Word of God gives life and imparts new, wondrous truths. It is a book that is alive. This book is the mouthpiece of God, through which He speaks to us. He teaches us through a Book, a marvelous, magnanimous piece of literature, a rich collection of narratives and history and poetry and prophecies and letters. This Word is our lifeline.
Hope. Without hope, love wouldn't exist. Life would be a paltry existence of meaninglessness. I look around every day and see a world choked with suffering but I have hope. I have hope that because of the work of Christ, one day He will redeem this bloodied, broken world, dash the tears from our eyes, and welcome us to a new home. There will be no sickness or sin or broken hearts. It will be eternally good. That hope sustains me through even the bitterest of days and worst of news. I am thankful for hope.
What are you thankfulest for?