Happy Thanksgiving 2019

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV).

Today is the day that folks all over the United States are observing Thanksgiving. The precedent for this day of thanks came as the result of the October 3, 1863 Proclamation of Thanksgiving issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Ironically, this proclamation was given in the midst of the American Civil War, one of the most turbulent times experienced in the nation’s history.

Even in those darkest times, President Lincoln could say, “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”

I have to say that 2019 has been one crazy bumpy ride so far. Last weekend, I mourned with a friend who just lost his wife after a prolonged battle with breast cancer. Several months prior another close friend check into the hospital to deal with his troubles. Lots of stressful unexpected changes happening all around! I am uncertain if the days are going to get any easier in 2020.

But I am still thankful, and there are good days too. Hank Hanegraaff, the President of the company I work for, had been fighting Mantel Cell Lymphoma, but received an allogenic stem-cell transplant from one of his sons, and he is presently well and back doing the Bible Answer Man broadcast. Yes! I am thankful to the God above, whose goodness and mercies flow throughout all creation each and every day.

I am always thankful for everlasting life. Prior to making self-affirmations like, “I am a saint,” “I am chosen,” and “I am blessed with every spiritual blessing,” I first and foremost have to say, “God is holy and I am a wretched sinner.” I am the one to turn my face from heaven and say, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” Although I deserve damnation, God lifts me out of the mire and sets my feet upon a rock. It is incomprehensible the very God whom I sin against each and every day would lavish upon me grace upon grace. God demonstrates His love for us in while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Christ shed His own blood upon a cross to redeem me from a debt of sin that I could never repay. For this I give thanks.

Jesus Christ is, moreover, the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Christ have the hope of being raised immortal, imperishable, incorruptible. It is hardly the end of the line for those who we have lost Though the body is destroyed, Christ will raise His own on the last day. I am thankful for this too.

2019 had some hard days. But, despite all the troubles that make me play the blues, I know there is a God walking with me each step of the way who will see me through. All things have yet to be set to right. I still mourn. I still find injustice happening in the world. I must be willing to forgive those who are wanting to be forgiven. I still experience days when all the outcomes never turn out in my favor. Nevertheless, “I have a hope. I have a future…”

May everyone have something to give thanks for on this day.

Blessings!

— WGN.