Thanksgiving When Giving Thanks Is Hard

Hey church family, we’re one week away from Thanksgiving, which I know will be more challenging this year for many people in light of the year that we’ve been through. And when I say that “Thanksgiving will be more challenging,” I’m not talking about the challenges of planning a Thanksgiving gathering in the age of social distancing, although that will be challenging, but what I’m talking about is the challenge of “giving thanks” during difficult times.

When you think about it you’ll realize that Thanksgiving is the only American holiday commanded by Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) tells us that we are to . . . “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The folk who study language tell us that that instruction to “Give thanks” is a present tense imperative, which means it’s a command that ought to be obeyed continually, not just one day a year.

Ever wonder why for so many people, Thanksgiving is more of a “food-and-football holiday” than a time to pause and offer our thanks to God? One reason is that it’s difficult to be grateful to God when we feel as though He’s let us down. For some of you this the Coronavirus, has totally upended your typically Thanksgiving plans. I’ve spoken with several in our church who typically travel over Thanksgiving, yet won’t be travelling this year. Others will be gathering around tables this year, without loved ones with whom they’ve spent every Thanksgiving in the past. I wonder, how is your life different from what you wish it were today? 

When we feel as though God disappoints us, it’s human nature to want to punish him with our disregard. But as someone once said. . .  “Such rejection of the Great Physician hurts the patient more than the Doctor.” When I want to be thankful the least is usually when I need to be thankful the most. Why? Because gratitude puts us in a position to receive all that grace that God desires to give us. When we are thankful for all God has done for us, it enables us to see the things that He has done, and the things that He has not done in a different light. It reminds us that He never makes a mistake, and that he says “no” only when it is better for us than “yes.”

George Matheson was a man who was born to privilege in 1842. He attended the University of Glasgow where he graduated first in his class. Then, in his twentieth year of life, he became totally blind. Despite his blindness George Matheson followed God’s call to ministry. Matheson pastored some of Scotland’s finest and largest churches. He wrote books of philosophical theology which are still read and cited today. He was theologian to Queen Victoria, received numerous honorary doctorates, filled the most prestigious lectureships in the land, and was a fellow of the Royal Society. This prayer by George Matheson provides a different perspective on Thanksgiving

Matheson writes: My God, I have never thanked thee for my thorn. I have thanked thee a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorn. Teach me the glory of my cross, teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that I have climbed to thee by the path of my pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbows.

Annie Dillard once observed. . . “You do not have to sit outside in the dark. If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is required.”

Church family, If you’re going through a dark time as we approach thanksgiving, and I know many are, I pray that you’ll ask God to use that darkness as something that will enable you to see His light.

And speaking of the “light of God” I want to invite you to join us for our Parking Lot Worship Gathering, this Sunday, November 22^nd at 4:30 in the ERBC parking lot. Face-coverings are required for this service, and we will be practicing social-distancing, so as to keep everyone safe. And just for the record . . . What we’re doing this Sunday afternoon is a “Worship Gathering” not a “Social Gathering” Why is that important? It’s important because our county has asked us to limit outdoor “Outdoor Social Gatherings” to no more than 15 people. But when it comes to “Outdoor Worship Gatherings” they are simply asking that we gather safely and we’re committed to doing that. So bring along your camp chair or tailgate, and we’ll look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 4:30.