Thanksgiving Thoughts

It is easier to be overwhelmed by tragedy and suffering than to be overwhelmed with thanksgiving. It is no secret that we are living in a world where there doesn't seem to be much to be thankful for. Holidays are often coupled with depression and anxiety. These are all symptoms of a misplaced treasure.

Christians are not exempt from the tragedy and suffering of this world. It seems as if we sometimes suffer more than those who are clearly opposed to God. Can we be thankful this thanksgiving? We can, if we are holding on to the right treasure.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)

"For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison  because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (II Cor 4:17-18)

Why can we, as Christians, be thankful in the midst of suffering and tragedy? Because, our thanks arises from being redeemed in the past, present and future.

In the past, in His mysterious love, the Father sent His Son Jesus to die on our behalf. In the present His risen Son Jesus promises to be with us through every experience of life. In the future, we will be with Jesus in eternity which will be "an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison".

Our hope does not end in this world. What is presently "seen" is not always so pretty. But the eternal, "what cannot be seen", is guaranteed to make all suffering and tragedy in this age "light" in comparison. Our treasure is in Jesus Christ who has given us forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Our thanks has redemption as the source and the Redeemer Jesus Christ as the object. Yes, we can be very thankful!
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