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| Are troubles keeping you from being thankful? |
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Thanksgiving week is here. But to not let it become overshadowed by Black Friday (a time when gratitude can often be replaced with greed and entitlement), it's a good time as any to remind ourselves what we're thankful for, and let that motivate our attitudes and choices.
It's okay to admit when you're feeling down. It's okay to acknowledge that things are not okay. We don't have to pretend. Being thankful is not about masking our pain but rather clinging onto hope despite our pain.
It's okay to admit when you're feeling down. It's okay to acknowledge that things are not okay. We don't have to pretend. Being thankful is not about masking our pain but rather clinging onto hope despite our pain.
Gratitude helps keep us from making our problems seem much bigger than they really are, for nothing is bigger than our God. It reminds us that we still have goodness on our side even when things may not feel that way. And it helps us keep our sights on the light guiding us through the narrow road ahead.
Despite all the negativity and bad news throughout the year, we can still let hope continue to drive us forward. After all, we've already claimed victory when we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. Nothing on earth will stay the same, but this also includes the evil in the world, which will someday have its comeuppance.
I could also use a morale boost at a time like this, as I'm trying not to let my current situation and struggles discourage me from being thankful. It's difficult, as typical for any follower of Christ, but not impossible through Him. As Jesus said:
"...I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)
Despite all the negativity and bad news throughout the year, we can still let hope continue to drive us forward. After all, we've already claimed victory when we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. Nothing on earth will stay the same, but this also includes the evil in the world, which will someday have its comeuppance.
I could also use a morale boost at a time like this, as I'm trying not to let my current situation and struggles discourage me from being thankful. It's difficult, as typical for any follower of Christ, but not impossible through Him. As Jesus said:
"...I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)
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Curious Questions to Consider:
What are you thankful for?
What are your favorite bible verses that help you remain thankful?
How do you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday? What are your plans this year?
What can you and your loved ones do to make being thankful a priority over the selfishness that may arise during Black Friday deals?
Do you have any other positive tips to share regarding Thanksgiving or Black Friday?
Do you have any words of encouragement for those who are struggling?
If you're struggling to give thanks, is there anything you'd like prayer for? (Feel free to make a prayer request.)
What are you thankful for?
What are your favorite bible verses that help you remain thankful?
How do you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday? What are your plans this year?
What can you and your loved ones do to make being thankful a priority over the selfishness that may arise during Black Friday deals?
Do you have any other positive tips to share regarding Thanksgiving or Black Friday?
Do you have any words of encouragement for those who are struggling?
If you're struggling to give thanks, is there anything you'd like prayer for? (Feel free to make a prayer request.)
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or the holidays. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or the holidays. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Cover image courtesy of Marcus Wöckel.
(Written on November 24, 2019.)
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