Thanksgiving
Everywhere we look, we see the change of the seasons. The colors this year have been spectacular and for those who were able to go to the mountains or up north, the pictures of the Fall colors have been beautiful. It’s the time of year when we pack away our warm-weather clothes and keep a couple of outfits in reserve for those Indian summer days. Pumpkin spice fills the air and the menu boards. The stores are even selling Christmas decorations at a discount!
Have you begun your Christmas shopping yet? It’s next month! We become so aware of how time flies, seems like we celebrated Christmas about six months ago.
As we wind down, change our clocks back, vote in the elections, and mow for the last time until Spring, we reflect on the year gone by. Thanksgiving is coming! My family celebrates twice—once with my extended family and a week later with my husband’s family. Exciting times!
Maybe you look back over 2022 and have a hard time being thankful. Perhaps you lost someone dear and the days seem empty. Or you or a loved one are facing health issues that feel overwhelming. Our economy is forcing most people to make difficult choices, different menu selections. Vacation plans and holiday plans changed. There are so many decisions to make, so many things that affect our outlook.
In reading Psalm 136 recently, there are a lot of scenarios listed. Each of the 26 verses ends with the same line—“For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Do we live like we believe that?
How easy it is to let our minds wander to the negative things going on in our lives! Unless we’re really bubbly people, we tend to lean to the pessimistic side of who we are. How do we combat that?
Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
So what we think about and keeping our eyes on Jesus as Paul did are how we have peace! Regardless of our circumstances, He is with us, our El Roi, “the God Who Sees Me.” HE SEES! Nothing happens in our lives that He doesn’t see. He is sovereign; He allows it for our growth.
This Thanksgiving, may we look not at our circumstances and be discouraged, but may we look at our circumstances and give Him thanks and praise for His goodness to us.
“He remembered us in our low estate
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
and freed us from our enemies.
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
He gives food to every creature.
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Psalm 136:23-26
