Thanksgiving is More than a Holiday: God’s Gracious Deliverance

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm 138:8 ESV

 When caught in uncomfortable and painful circumstances, it can feel like they last forever. We tend to pray, “God, if You hear me, fix the problem, fix the other person, get me out of the mess I’m in!” “Now, please.”

What if we prayed in faith instead, as the psalmist of Psalm 138:3 did? On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

I’m learning to pray differently and wait—and maybe wait some more. But in the waiting, God reassures me of His grace and mercy. Sometimes, He carries me through the trial. Sometimes, He walks alongside me. But He never forgets me, even when silent. I am growing in trust. God is worthy. I am humbled and thankful. He is all I need—but often, He allows others to be His heart, hands, and feet.

I know that God has a plan for my life. I choose to believe that He will complete His purpose for me. I believe that for you, too, dear one. You and I are God’s beloved.

God preserves us in the middle of troubles. Jesus promised His disciples peace and that they would have problems, but He had overcome the world (John 16:33). Do we trust Him as we go through our daily lives?

Thank You, God, my Father, for Your Son, Jesus, and how He accomplished Your plan for His earthly life on my behalf.

Not only does God hear us when we are in distress, but He also delivers us from separation from Him and the bad stuff in our lives. He rewrites our stories from His point of view, which is perfect.

He cares for us and preserves us despite our failures and stubborn pride.

Heavenly Father, thank You doesn’t seem enough, but I offer my gratitude to You from the depths of my heart.

Karen Sims