From the Pulpit: ‘What do we have to be thankful for in our misery?

By: 
Pastor Naomi Stout, Heritage Lutheran Church

Every year it seems hard to find something to be thankful for. This year has been personally difficult for me with health issues that just seems to keep getting worse. What is there to be thankful for? Looking at the people in the Bible can help us. David is well known and usually we think of him as blessed. God picked him out of all his brothers to be the next king. But David was chased by the current king, Saul. Saul was threatened by David so Saul wanted to kill him. David faced Goliath with just a stone and a sling. His son tried to overthrow him as king. And yet David could write in Psalm 9, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

Job is another person in the Bible whose entire family died. He lost all of his herds and wealth and even lost his health. Even in the midst of all his misery he says, “For I know that my Redeemed lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.”

The Apostle Paul who wrote much of the New Testament was jailed for his preaching and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. When in jail, he and Silas sang hymns to the Lord praising Him for all He had done.

So, what do we have to be thankful for in our misery? Let’s remember this Thanksgiving all that God has done for us. He has given us our families, friends, jobs, homes, food and our faith. He sent His only Son to die for us so that we can live with Him forever.

Advent begins a new year in the church calendar. So, this Sunday is like New Year’s Eve. We get to begin again in Advent. We get to wipe away last year and start a new season. Let us remember that even in the toughest times this last year, God has never left us. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” He has seen us through this year and will continue to be with us no matter what comes next. His love never fails, His love never falters, and He keeps His promises forever. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 

Cling to that fact when everything else seems to be falling apart. Happy Thanksgiving!

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