Give Thanks!

Death and disease claimed almost half the inhabitants of Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Entire families had been lost that first winter.  They had settled half a world away from relatives and country.  There would be no one coming to the rescue. Yet, in the midst of devastation they God provided a ram in the bush.  Native American Indians shared their knowledge of using dried fish remains as fertilizer.  The Pilgrim’s crop flourished allowing food supplies to support them through another harsh winter.  Despite devastation behind them and the unknown looming ahead, they invited the original Americans to join them in a Harvest Celebration.  One wonders, why give thanks and praise after having lost so much and no guarantee of future success? 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Last year, maybe you lost a family member, or suffered through a job layoff, a friendship became strained or your financial circumstances took a nose dive.  The list of heartbreaking situations could go on forever. The command still stands that in everything, good, bad or indifferent, give thanks.  Why give thanks, when my life has been altered forever, the pain still lingers and I cannot see the light as I muddle through this dark place in my life?  Remember the Pilgrims’ example.  They gave thanks because they had survived and held fast to the hope that their future would be better.  God has brought us through trials and tribulations.  We made it.  He has a plan and a purpose for our lives.  We have a hope that will not disappoint.  Celebrate the true and living God this Thanksgiving.  We have survived another year because of His grace and by that same grace He will continue to keep us.  Thank you Lord!