Trouble and Thanksgiving

I know, you’ve heard “be thankful” a thousand times and because COVID-19 has disrupted everything, it can be annoying. But wait, keep reading, this will encourage you as we all navigate the quagmire of this pandemic.

What do we do when we face trouble?

After all, Jesus said we would face it in John 16:33. But we don’t like this because it messes with our life plan and goals. If you’re like me, we prefer to have everything line up, fall into place and make sense to us; however, this is not the case.

Most of the time it seems the opposite as things don’t make sense, we’re stretched to believe and then God makes a way and proves He’s GOD and we’re not.

This process seems to happen to me over and over again, how about you?

But, this is good for us because, we need to be reminded of who GOD is and what He can do. This pandemic shows us that we are not in control like we think and with one surprise, everything can change.

However, in this trouble, we are commissioned to give Him thanks in ALL things!!

Notice what the Bible says in these two verses.

“Give thanks to Him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.”
Psalms 136:4

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

So what happens when Trouble collides with Thanksgiving?

First, we remember the past. Thanksgiving brings into view what God has done before. This is important because it’s easy to forget all He’s done. It’s very easy to go from one answered prayer, to the next problem and forget what He just did. This is why the practice of being thankful is powerful, as it reminds us of what He’s done and then our spirit is lifted with joy and peace.

What is one thing He has done for you?

Second, we can see the future. Thanksgiving tells a story of not just the past but also of what He’s going to do. God is the same which means, what He’s done once, He’ll do again. When we practice being thankful, our hope is built up to see what’s ahead. We live with purpose and on purpose because of who He is and what He’s about to do.

What are you expecting God to do?

Third, we live in the moment. This is BIG! Thanksgiving empowers us to see all of the good things He has done, live in the moment of today with appreciation and joy. There’s something about reminiscing, that can bring a tear to our eyes and a smile to our face. It can give us perspective of a moment or two and how special it was; therefore, we can see today, as a chance of new moments and to live in them.

How can you give your best today?

Everyday is a gift, that’s why they call it the present! So, we can live with expectation, unwrapping today with faith, hope and love because God is on our side!

This is how Trouble and Thanksgiving forge within us, new insights of faith and new places of peace. This is also why we need to be reminded of this constantly, because it is so easy to be unthankful and not live this out. Have you been there?

So please, after you read this blog, give God thanks for specific things. Let Him know what He has done and how grateful you are.

Notice, our verse says, “in ALL circumstances” give thanks. Not when it’s easy, not when we feel like it, not when everything is great and not when we’ve gotten our way.

This is a lifestyle shift that intentionally puts God first no matter what. He deserves it based on who He is and what He has done!

So I pray no matter where you are or what you are facing, that Thanksgiving would fill your heart and soul. I pray that God would lift you and give you perspective of what He’s about to do because in Jesus, the best is yet to come.

I love and believe in you,