Thanksgiving implies a time of love, sharing and happiness for all. Unfortunately, this is not true for everyone. Many people are hurting from pain in their past, from grief issues because of death of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, a painful divorce, betrayal, a serious illness,etc. When we focus on our surroundings, they can be dismal.
Habakkuk lived in a time of social unrest and disobedience unto the Lord. He was heartbroken. Instead of focusing on his surroundings he focused on God. Habakkuk expresses his feelings in chapter 3: 17 – 19, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fall, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls–Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD GOD is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
Habakkuk is saying, “Even if the whole world is falling apart around me, I will choose to rejoice in the LORD. I will joy in the God of my salvation. GOD is my strength!” We are to look unto Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Nothing in this life can separate us from the love of God – read Romans 8.
God fully loves us, fully forgives us and fully accepts us! I know from experience, no matter what I face in life, God will never leave me or forsake – this is not based on my feelings – it is God’s truth. Jesus proved His love for all of us by dying on a cruel painful cross and He rose from the dead to give us hope beyond this life!
When we praise God, our praise replaces and repels the spirit of heaviness. Make a decision to be thankful unto God no matter your circumstances. If we feel distant from God, it’s because we have focused on the negative in life instead of focusing on God. We have experienced much adversity from the devil. I practice what I am encouraging you to do. I praise Him for His daily blessings and thank Him in advance for the blessings and answers to prayers that I believe will happen by faith.
Jesus is coming soon for His Bride born again of water and Spirit. Even if we live to 100, life on this earth is short compared to eternity that never has an ending. The Bride of Christ will be ruling and reigning with God over a new heaven and new earth forever and ever.
Rejoice in the Lord! In everything give thanks! God will carry you through the circumstances of your life. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. Then the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His holy name!
www.carolclemans.org – call (636) 448-0121 for speaking for your church/conference. Call for nationwide confidential phone/Skype counseling. I’ve been teaching from the Word of God for 50 years. I’m a Certified Pastoral Counselor since 1992. Sharing God’s truth for healing and growth is my heartbeat. May God pour out His blessings on each one of you for this Thanksgiving season – Carol Clemans.