Each Thanksgiving season is a treasure in our nation.

From the Plymouth Rock settlement 404 years ago, through the century and a half of Colonies under the British crown, through the Revolutionary War and the Civil Way and in every phenomenal era of the USA, believers of all backgrounds have celebrated Thanksgiving in uniquely American ways.

We find ourselves in many situations in which circumstances beyond our control seem to grab life by the throat. When leaders of centuries past, like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln chose Thanksgiving to call Americans back from the brink of despair, they did more than make presidential declarations. They actually gave Americans that same “power tool” I mentioned last week – a biblical and unfailing resource for arising in tough times.

It’s fascinating to see how many ways the Bible describes this attitude-shaping practice of thankfulness!

From the heights of jubilant gratitude in the Psalms to the practical instructions we find in all the letters of the New Testament, it’s clear that giving thanks is a sure sign of a lively, loving heart toward God.

One of my favorite verses on thanksgiving comes from a time of severe trial for the writer. That writer was the prophet Jeremiah, a man who rarely faced an easy choice. Time and time again, Jeremiah had to bring bad news to a king and often faced open opposition when simply fulfilling the orders he received from the Lord.

When it looked so bleak in the culture of the nation he loved, Jeremiah received a powerful promise about God’s future plans for Israel. God showed Him the path of renewal and hope for a distressed nation. Although they faced the loss of many valuable possessions, rather than drowning in feelings of defeat, they rallied to grateful songs!

With the promises of God stirring their hearts to a deeper trust, Jeremiah foretold a day very much like ours, when it could be said “Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish.” (Jeremiah 30:19 NIV)

The prophetic impact of this authentic type of Thanksgiving is so relevant for times like we face today.

It’s absolutely stunning to realize how timely these promises are for the Body of Christ in the USA today.

Worshipers of the living God are called to be among that lively throng that Jeremiah announced so long ago. We join “the voice of those who make merry” with a thankfulness that “proceeds” out of the midst of tough times. 

When loved ones and friends face depressing circumstances or an ongoing struggle in your soul seems to drag you down, this powerful prophetic pattern can be helpful.

Obstacles and opposition surrounded Jeremiah at each phase of his journey in a distressing time for his nation. The Word of the Lord to his servant comforted him, for sure. But it was far more than comfort. Jeremiah was given a blueprint for future victories that would arise among believers who are passionately and actively thankful to God!

Better yet, those promises anticipated the Holy Spirit’s dynamic working among worshipers in times just like ours.

May the Thanksgiving of 2024 abound with these blessings in your hearts and homes.

Thank you all for your prayers and support in this time of launching Elders and Deacons ministry.

Our goal in congregational life is for all members to share in ministry, serving, outreach and care for the Body of Christ.

How grateful we are for the dedication and care that so many of you give to share our vision for bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to our community. Join us tomorrow in recognizing and encouraging these leaders:

We’re pleased as well to share in a focus on Caregivers Sunday – a new initiative in Carroll County to honor and pray for all caregivers and the patients who they serve. As families and friends share in caring for those with cognitive and other health issues, loneliness and weariness can so often feel overwhelming.  To set the tone for this special reminder of the needs of those who serve, we welcome Rosemary Kestle to share reflections from her walk with God as a primary caregiver and a confidante of many others who share in this vital ministry.