Last Sunday I asked the congregation to recall where they were on certain dramatic moments in American history. Sure enough, one of those events I mentioned was the November 22 , 1963 assassination of President Kennedy. And here today, close to our… national day of thanksgiving, is Sunday November 22. How do we “give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thessalonians 5:18) when we have so much happening in a lifetime that is not good? For instance, as a people we must confront the evil of terrorism as witnessed in Paris. We are uneasy and anxious about national security and cautious about refugees! How can we give thanks in such dire circumstances?
It can be done. Paul says so. And Jesus found a way to give thanks to the Father in spite of Pilate, persecution, doubting disciples, and Crucifixion. Somebody’s Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36)!
It is possible to go beyond our rightful thanks for Family, Friends, and Nation in this season and also give thanks in the midst of things not good, things hurtful.
Keep the faith Brothers and Sisters!
One way is thanks when you are not so sure why we should be thankful in the middle of all THIS around us! If you having a hard time praying this way….ask a friend of faith to pray for you this week! That’s a start!
Pastor Barry