1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities — Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

Luke 8:1-3

We read here that as Jesus moved around from place to place, the twelve disciples were with Him. The disciples had a reason to be with Him. They were called to do that. Then we read further that there were certain women, who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities that were also with Him. Among those women, was Mary Magdalene from whom seven demons had been cast out. This woman had a thankful heart. She had a heart full of gratitude, for what He had done for her.

To be thankful means to be gladly relieved; to be grateful. Thanksgiving is the act of giving thanks; a public acknowledgement of divine goodness and mercy. Are you gladly relieved because some- time this year you suffered from a terrible sickness but you are healed today? Are you gladly relieved because sometime this year you didn’t have a job but now, not only do you have a job, but you are sponsoring some people through school? Maybe you are gladly relieved because the burden of barrenness has been removed and you are now expecting your own baby. Maybe you are gladly relieved because earlier this year, you were confused about some decision to take; now not only did you take that decision, but you are enjoying the fruits of that decision.

What are you thankful for? What are you gladly relieved about? Every single person has something to be thankful for. You may say, “I can’t think of what to thank God for.” Well, you are alive today. You have food to eat. His covenant has not left you. Those are the things to be grateful for!

Confession:
Father, I declare unto You that I am grateful to be relieved by Your grace and mercy. You have done great and innumerable things for me, and I can’t count them all. Most especially I thank You for Your covenant which has not failed me.