As we get ready for Thanksgiving, it’s important to stop for a moment and consider all of the blessings that we have. It’s easy to do most of the time—when you have a roof over your head, food on the table, a job that provides, family that’s doing well, and the health to see another day.
But maybe you’re struggling deeply with physical challenges, financial difficulties, or familial problems. You may have recently received bad news that has shaken your world and left you on uncertain ground. Are you dealing with deep and personal pain?
The truth is it’s not always so easy to give thanks. Frankly, it’s often easier to complain—or just huddle in the corner and look helplessly on as the world seems to fall apart around us.
Of course, as Christians we understand that there’s more to the story.
In his book, Hope for the Troubled Heart, my grandfather, Billy Graham, wrote: “We’re living in a time of spiritual darkness and political upheaval. Only the forward-looking Christian remains sincerely optimistic and joyful, knowing that Christ will win in the end and ‘if we endure, we will also reign with him’ (2 Timothy 2:12).”
If Christians can be thankful about only one thing in this world, it’s this: We know the One who is in control, the Rock to whom we cling. Jesus alone is the source of joy and peace when the 24-hour news cycle—or our personal situation—is filled with angst and despair.
My friend, if you’re struggling, I want you to know that the Savior sees you. He hasn’t forgotten you. He understands your sorrow and tears. I don’t believe you’re reading this today by accident. God wants you to know that He’s with you.
In Matthew 6:26, Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” The answer, of course, is yes. You are far more valuable—so valuable that Jesus gave His life for you.
Even if you don’t feel very thankful today, take heart in knowing that you are being held in His arms. Regardless of what’s going on around us in this dark world, we do have hope. We do have reason to be thankful.
