Looking for hope this season?

Looking for a way to navigate a world that seems dim?

Searching for gratitude when all we are met with is strife?

Normally we look forward to a time of harvest, a time where we are full of thanksgiving when we approach the end of Autumn. We have visions of cranberry sauce, fat turkeys, pumpkin everything and full bellies. Laughter around tables and football on the screen and in the backyard use to be full of excitement and dedication.

What do we see now? Distant cheers and feuding families have gotten in the way. Football seems to be a thing of the past as we toss a ball to our dogs and video chat with the few people we have things in common with. We may toast to good health and a better future, but hearts aren’t always brimming these days and pride has over taken any kind of love we have on the surface.

Where is God in all of this? Why is He allowing for us to wade through this tumultuous season without a inkling of what we should do next.

We can place our hope in a new year, a new season, or something else that is new. But ultimately, the only newness we need is our attitude and what we place our personal focus on. God sees us through the rest no matter how turbulent the future may seem.

Christian, it is time to adopt some thanksgiving this season. If you haven’t refocused after this trying year, there is no better time. God’s Word drives us forward with His goodness and promises. Embracing and living out these truths is the only way that we can propel forward with peace.

Here are several verses that will help us to center our hearts:

1 Chronicles 16:8 KJV

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving

1 Chronicles 16:34

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever

2 Corinthians 9:14-15

And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

1 Chronicles 16:34

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever

Psalm 75:1

Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Share these encouraging words with friends and family who seem to have lost the meaning of a thankful heart. We need to come together not because our circumstances are the same or the way we deal with trying times are similar. We need to come together as brothers and sisters in faith longing for home.

We must remain diligent, intentional, and watchful in the days that we are living. Let us store up God’s Word in our hearts so that we can share the hope of the cross.