NOVEMBER 23
Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6–7)
As a pastor, I’ve learned that the holidays are not always joyful times of celebration for everyone. Many people become depressed around this time of year as they watch others enjoying special times with family and friends. They feel lonelier than ever and more acutely aware of how isolated they are from others around them. Many feel burdened by ongoing struggles with their health, finances, or relationships. Others grieve the loss of loved ones who are noticeably absent at this special time when people usually come together.
While I try to be as compassionate and understanding as possible, I also try to remind them there’s still much for which to be thankful. That’s how the Thanksgiving holiday started. The early pilgrims in our country struggled way beyond what they imagined in this new, untamed land. Without the assistance of Native Americans willing to share food and teach them how to survive, the first colonists likely would have died.
Out of their hardship, those early settlers recognized how much God had blessed them and provided for them. After all, most of them had traveled to the New World to experience the kind of religious freedom they were denied back home. What better way to exercise their new freedom than to worship and praise God for sustaining them?
No matter what you may be going through, look for the ways God continues to demonstrate his love, care, and faithfulness to you.
Power Lift
Lord, for all the hard times you’ve brought me through this year, I thank you. You are always with me and always protect and provide for me.
Groeschel, Craig. Daily Power: 365 Days of Fuel for Your Soul. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017. Print.