A verse that seems challenging at times. However, when one considers the environment from which these words were penned, we are reminded that there are no circumstances that should keep us from being truly thankful.
I think of the widow and widower who are learning how to navigate the holidays without that special someone. Who still gathers with family and continue to discover many reasons to be grateful.
I think of the person who has been rejected, left alone, and is trying to make sense of love and forgiveness. Who still opens his/her heart to people, understanding the risk they are taking.
I could continue to list people in much more difficult circumstances. All whom have learned that Thanksgiving is more than a holiday stuck on a Thursday towards the end of November. Men and women who have discovered that being thankful has to be a way of life.
Thankful - Adjective
1) Pleased and Relieved
2) Expressing Gratitude and Relief
I honestly don't know how the world does it without the assurance of Christ. I'm sure that there is something deep inside the human spirit that finds a place of thankfulness. However, for those of us who know Jesus personally, thankfulness should come naturally. In Christ we should be pleased and relieved. We should be able to express gratitude and relief. All one has to do is consider all that the Father has done to give us eternal and abundant life. To consider how gracious our Creator has been to us. To dwell on the fact that He chose to come into our darkness, to take our sin and shame upon Himself, and be willing to go through the agony and pain of redemption should create a swell of gratitude in each of our hearts. Maybe even more amazing is that He chose to speak to our hearts when He did; to awaken us to the reality of life in Christ.
There is so much that we take for granted:
Family, friends, relationships, and health.
Security, provision, jobs, and a roof over our heads.
Love, grace, and mercy that knows no end.
When you consider all of the things that we are willing to risk, willing to walk away from, and the things which we allow to create division; can we not stop for a moment and think of all that we have to be grateful for?
This is a season to be thankful. Regardless of what your season looks like. Regardless of how it feels. Regardless of what you have had to endure. Learn to give thanks. Learn to be pleased in all that the Lord has done in your life. Discover what it means to be pleased in Him. Express your gratitude and relief. Watch how thankfulness releases a joy and a peace that you can never explain.
Once again I'm reminded of the hymn written by Horatio G. Spafford - "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL" - and how the Lord was able to minister peace and gratefulness to his heart during on of the most difficult times of life. A song that would stand the test of time and continue to bring others to a place of peace and rest. If he can sing, if he can be reminded of the goodness of the Lord, then surely we can find a thread of thankfulness in our own hearts.
I want to encourage you this Thanksgiving (and every other day of life) to draw your friends and family close to your heart. Capture every moment of joy. Feel the warmth of hugs and kisses. Be grateful for the time that you have and cherish the looks of contentment on every face. Be Thankful. Very Very Thankful for these moments. Feast on them. Drink from them. Life is too short to miss out on these opportunities. Then allow thankfulness to be a part of your journey. And while you are at it, be sure to give thanks to the Lord. Remembering that EVERY good and perfect gift flows down from Him.
May this Thanksgiving be the greatest thanksgiving you can remember. Blessings to you and your family during this season.
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