Two People I Am Thankful For
There are two people in our church body who have uniquely impacted me through their example of giving thanks the past couple of months. The first person is someone who had suddenly lost their spouse of nearly 60 years. I remember greeting them at one of our weekend services to see how they were doing, and the first words out of their mouth were “God is so good!” I could tell these words were not a mask covering pain but from an overflow of joy in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. The other individual was someone who had recently received some possible life-altering news regarding their health—the type of news that is not just inconvenient but would lead to immediate and dramatic change. With a big smile on their face, they shared with me a verse the Lord had laid on their heart, “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18) How is it possible for people who experience so much grief to respond with sincere peace and joy?
I believe part of this mystery is found in Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-13. Here are a few selected verses from the passage:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things… I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
The holidays can be a time of mixed experiences for those in our church body. For some, Thanksgiving is a time of joy with family members, friends, and food! For others who have lost a loved one or experienced family separation, it can be a time of renewed grief and loneliness.
Despite your circumstances this week, God invites us into a place to do what the world would consider impossible, that our hearts would overflow in the joy of the Lord. Contentment is not found in a peaceful family gathering, good food, or the next Black Friday deal. Rather, it is found in the goodness and unwavering reality of our Lord!
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
~Psalm 16:11
Jacob Abrahamson
Youth Pastor