Last week our blog highlighted: “The wear and tear of daily life can chip away at our trust in God and our appreciation for the bounty of life in Christ. Our anxiety is increased by the speed with which news travels of disasters around the world and in our own neighborhood. This news reinforces the view point that the world is a dangerous place. Random violence that kills football players on college campus, at clubs, in shopping stores, and elementary schools reinforces the belief that everything in the world that happens is random, aimless, and unpredictable.” But what if, even now, through all the warring madness, violence, and political posturing, God has a plan?
The Israelites were wonderful at rehearsing the deliverance story of their exodus from slavery in Egypt. See Deuteronomy 26:1-11. In this text they found themselves so thankful for being in a new geographic location and free from bondage. In a new land they truly desired to show God their deepest love and thanksgiving for all that God had done for them by dedicating their first fruits of the harvest to God.
Today, on this Thanksgiving Day in the United States, ponder with me what God has delivered you from? How has God opened the way for you to have new opportunity in life? And like the Israelites, what concrete action will you make to express love and profound thanksgiving to God for all that God has done in your life, your community, your nation, and even around this entire created world?
The Scripture
Paul offers amazing words of encouragement, love, and practical advise to all who have experienced the heart of God leading to new life opportunities. In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul invites the community and every individual believer in Jesus to:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 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. (Verses 4-7)
We can only rejoice always when we know by heart our own story of faith. This is much more than knowing what we believe in or profess with our lips. It is a deep heart shaping knowing of our story of God’s love for us, for our community, for all creation. When we have been profoundly loved by God in such a way that we experience opportunity for new life, we respond with the fullness of our being in thanksgiving to God and rejoice always!
Today’s Prayer Practice
Today in the breaking of the bread for your Thanksgiving meal, whether alone or with family and friends, be mindful of your story. How has God released you from bondage and provided you with new opportunity? Let Jesus become for you this day The Bread Of your Life as you rehearse your story of deliverance, forgiveness, redemption, and new life.
God has not yet completed your story. There is much more to come for which to be truly thankful. May you rejoice this day and always for you truly are God’s beloved one.
Enjoy praying.
