Thanksgiving Day is only hours away. We’re looking forward to enjoying friends and family; good food and frustrating football. But lets be honest; too many of us are also stressing about recipes waiting to be prepared, rooms needing cleaned, and miles to be driven. There are those disappointed that they will be working while their loved ones take in the festivities of the day. Others are dreading the awkwardness of being around “Cousin Boliver” yet one more time. Some are facing the deep heartache of a newly empty chair at this year’s table.
In one of her radio messages, Joni Eareckson Tada shares the words of the prophet Habakkuk; words that challenge me every time I hear them. In the opening verses of the Old Testament book bearing his name, Habakkuk uses dark phrases as he cries out to God about the conditions around him: “Violence!”, “injustice”, “destruction”, “strife and conflict”, “I call for help”, “the law is paralyzed”, and “justice never prevails”.
Life in Habakkuk’s day must have been very bleak. But as he pours out his heart to his Lord, he finds courage to make an incredible declaration of faith:
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength. (4: 17-19a)
Whether our circumstances are great, not so great, or somewhere in-between, may we also rejoice in God as our Savior, our strength, and our source of joy this Thanksgiving.
To be encouraged by Joni’s message on Habakkuk, and to download her “gratitude journal”, just click here.
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