Has your quiet time ever gone in a different direction than you thought it would? My quiet time this morning has been interesting. On this Thanksgiving morning I have been giving thanks for my blessings. I have food, water, health, a home, a dog beside me on the couch and a wonderful family; I have hit the blessings jackpot. Sitting here with my doggy nephew, Pirate, surrounded by family, as someone else prepares breakfast, things are going well for me.

I know that there are people who have things to be thankful for that I don’t have. However, as I have thanked God for my many blessings, I have been acutely aware of those in my life and the world who are struggling.

I do sometimes struggle with the tension between where I am with my blessings and those who are on my prayer list. I am in the land of plenty while others are in the wilderness.  How do I balance my deep thanksgiving for my blessings with a heart that aches for others?

This is where faith has to come in. I have to trust God with these people and situations. I have to trust God to bring peace, healing, comfort. When I reflect on the power of God, I have a deep sense of peace knowing that God is right with all of those who are in crisis. We can all be thankful knowing our loving God is right with us, regardless of outward circumstances. I can thank God for being with those in need and in crisis and can pray that Christ’s church can fill some of the gaps.

The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. (Dt. 2:7, NIV)

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

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