“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The scriptures challenge us to be thankful in all things. This can be difficult when "things" are not going well. Perhaps you have lost someone to death, lost a job, gone through a divorce, struggling to pay the bills, or have a health condition that limits your ability. The shorter, and colder, days can cast a shadow upon us, especially when things are already tight financially. These things, and more, can make it hard to embrace days like today. Some of you may feel alone and forgotten while others gather with family and friends to feast and fellowship. Maybe you are one of the "feast" individuals and you haven't stopped to think of the child, or adult, who isn't as fortunate as you. Could you take just a moment to humble yourself and pray for them, maybe reach out to them?
God wants to use us to show His love to others.
May I remind us all today that God has made a way for us to live with hope. He, our creator, has come to earth to live a human life, to identify with our suffering, and to take our place in death. He died for our sin. He has made available, to us, life eternal! Through Jesus we find forgiveness of sin and eternal hope. Hope that insures us of a coming day when all sorrow will be gone and all things restored to God's intended way for us to live. This alone should cause our hearts to be lifted in thankfulness!!! Can I hear the sound of of your voice as it lifts thanks to our Lord? Join me, and a host of others, today as we give thanks. He is listening. Let's let Him know how thankful we are. Tell Him. Speak it. Let us not be silent. Whether we are in feast or famine, let's remain thankful for the things that God has given. Those who truly know and love God can, and will, give thanks no matter what life's circumstances. Remember Job's response to the disaster and tragedy of his circumstances:
“He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!””
‭‭Job‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬
Imagine the agony of Jesus in the garden as He prayed and His sweat became like great drops of blood, the torture of His brutal beating, and the excruciating pain of His crucifixion. He knows the depth of all our trials.
“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬
Happy Thanksgiving!