Thanksgiving in Inexplicable Hard

Most of us stumble into this Thanksgiving holiday plumb wore out from the events of the past year. Dealing with continued uncertainty and controversy, we make decisions and “we’ll see” commitments in a world where the pandemic marches on and election results drag out. Stress and dissension have us on the brink of brain lock, and we struggle to stay out of ditches of discouragement. We’re tired and tired of it. It’s hard.

Yet, when we look up from our muck, we find friends and family who, on top of “all this”, struggle with inexplicable hards, indescribable sorrow, unfathomable loss, ferocious fear. And our issues dim as our perspectives change.

Someone stares down their worst nightmare at the delivery of a heart-stopping diagnosis. Empty places at the table and in the heart are stark reminders of heavy loss at a time life celebrations are limited, increasing feelings of loneliness and sadness. Others keep vigil miles away from a loved one who lies critically ill in a hospital bed, yearning for a few moments by their side to share loving words and touch. Dreams and longings, taken for granted by so many, lie dormant or crushed in another. Chaos in the world reflects inside homes and minds, already strained to the nth degree, that now explode under added stresses of this bizarre year. 

When we walk through inexplicable hards, only God’s words suffice. Only His presence provides peace. Only His light shines through the darkness. Only His love carries us when we, weary and broken, struggle to put one foot in front of the other.

We cling to God, the One who declares:

• • • I will be with you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
    • I will protect you. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
    • I will be your strength. (Isaiah 40:31)
    • I will answer you. (Psalm 120:1)
    • I will provide for you. (Philippians 4:19)
    • I will give you peace. (John 14:27)
    • I will always love you. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

As these truths sink in, despite distressing circumstances, subtly we feel praise and thanksgiving rising up from the depths of darkness, spraying rays of Light that illuminate our present condition. Joy sprouts in delightful color from surroundings full of dead weeds. Hope bursts from a crack in the hard place we find ourselves, gurgling with sparkling expectation of promises fulfilled. Why? Because of who our God is. Because of the loving, trustworthy promises He has declared over us. 

And we declare back to Him, through the tears of our shattered core:

“You are the God and healer of the brokenhearted. You are the God who has a perfect record of delivering on His promises. You are the God who gave His very life, so even in the worst of times we can know peace and hope. You are the Savior preparing an eternal haven for your children. A place of glory and beauty. A life lacking sorrow and pain. A place where untainted joy abounds. Where loved ones explore the beauty of paradise, basking in His presence, hand in hand with generations of family and friends who’ve been waiting for them.

You are the God who sees us. Who loves us. And who wants to bring healing to our lives.”

So we raise our heads to whisper, “Thank you, Lord. Thank You.” And our thanksgiving joins that of other weary sojourners trekking this narrow way, creating a pleasing aroma, a sacrifice of praise to God.

Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash