By the time Thanksgiving approaches each year, it
becomes pretty common for people to begin reflecting about the year and
consider all the many ways they have been blessed. For many this season tends
to continue through the end of the year. It’s a time when we give an extra dose
of gratitude to God – for our families, our homes, our employment, our health
and our freedom. It is a season to count our blessings and hold those we love
close to our hearts.
There is a lot
to be said about having a heart full of gratitude. It’s important to take time
to thank God for all the good in our life – but what constitutes as good? I’ve been reminded this year
numerous times just how much power lies in our perspective and how we view our
circumstances.
What if
giving thanks means more than just counting our blessings?
What if
being thankful means surrendering our struggles, too?
As much
as I want to reflect upon this past year, and be thankful for all the good – if
I’m honest, it has been one of the hardest years of my life. Two thousand and
sixteen has come with a lot of trials, a lot of tears, a lot of asking why, and a lot of physical pain for me,
but as I look back on the year, some of my greatest joys have been rooted from
moments of deep suffering.
I know that I’m
not alone in my struggles. Men and women all around the world have struggled
this past year – illness, loneliness, addictions, divorce, depression,
injustice and death – leaving many with broken hearts, confused minds and
hurting bodies.
Life can be so
hard. And at times it can feel as though God is far away. I’ve been challenged this
year in the midst of some trying situations to redefine how I view thankfulness.
I’ve been challenged to be more than just thankful.
I’ve been challenged with something even more difficult … to TRUST.
I believe that
in times of suffering, a heart full of gratitude means more than just telling
God that we are thankful – but rather it means being able to believe that God is who He says He is. Believing that
He is love, He never changes, He never fails, His timing is perfect, He keeps
His promises, and He is working all things out for what is good according to
His pleasing and perfect will.
As this
year is coming to a close, I’m reminded of God’s everlasting faithfulness in my
life. Never once have my situations and experiences this year been a surprise
to God ... He knew way in advance! Through all the challenges this year, God has
never once left my side. His hand has been at work in mighty ways – opening doors
that seemed impossible, surrounding me with gifted and knowledgeable medical
professional to help with my care and treatment, and showing me just how much I
am loved and cared for by Him.
As the
new year approaches, I certainly hope that it will look much different than
2016 did for me – no ambulance rides, no hospital stays, no oxygen tanks, or
wheelchairs, etc. …. that would all be great! BUT most importantly my prayer
for 2017 is that I would be challenged to fully TRUST God more, BELIEVE Him
better and KNOW Him deeper.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this
is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1
Thessalonians 5:18
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Whatever it may be that is weighing heavy on your heart and burdening your
mind, be reminded that even though you may not understand, and your situations
may simply not make sense to you right now … Know (and Believe) that there is a
loving God that does understand and is not surprised. He is walking by your
side every step of the way. He has never left you, and will never leave you.
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