You Can Be Thankful in the Dark

Many of us, if not all of us, have wonderful memories of Thanksgiving Days gone by. We recall the smells, sights and sounds of those days with great fondness and joy. But for some, Thanksgiving Day and the holidays in general, hold much sadness and loneliness. Memories of the death of a spouse, parent, child or close friend haunt the “halls of merrymaking” like a ghost, casting gloom over each special day. 

But maybe for you, your memories are not the problem, because this is the year your spirit is being crushed to the point of despair because of the death of someone close, or maybe your spouse just left you and you’re facing the season all alone for the first time. Whatever your situation may be, the Lord has a word of hope for you!  

Proverbs 25:20 says, “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” So, my purpose here is not to make all your pain go away, but to assure you of the love your Savior has for you in the midst of your suffering. If you belong to Christ, He is not only right there with you, but also He is IN you to give you the strength you may lack. 

According to Romans 8:38-39, you are secure; you are loved; and you are held in His all-powerful hands forever! “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  

So, as you approach this season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the start of a brand-new year, remember how special YOU are in God’s sight! You CAN be grateful in the dark circumstances in which you find yourself. They will only last a little while, but your Savior lives forever! Spend some special time with Him and let Him wrap you in His arms and sing His love song to you. Then praise Him, for He is worthy! 

Mike Whitney