Thanksgiving is a time for inventory.
We can inventory our blessings. We can inventory our heart.
- Some years my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving. There is much to be thankful for and praise is quick to rise from my lips.
- Some years I have to dig around a bit. There are treasures to find, if I look. I do the work and lift up my praise.
- And some years I find a barren heart filled with “bloated bellied” locusts. They have had a fine year. Me, not so much.
These Thanksgivings set the stage for living on the promises of God.
If this is a Thanksgiving of “Living on a Promise,” dig into the book of Joel sometime this week. It is only 3 chapters long – but it is loaded! If time is short, focus on these verses.
While you read, have a pen in hand and make it yours. Hear God’s voice. Know His passion. Feel His abundant love and provision.
Then, as your heart finds a resting place for its weariness, take inventory. It might just be the best Thanksgiving yet.
A parting word, from God’s heart to ours . . .
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
May this Thanksgiving bless your soul.
I will read Joel tomorrow. The Habakkuk scripture is one I have leaned on heavily for a number of years. My life is a breeze compared to what Israel was going through. Not only can I, but I will rejoice in God my Savior. And a day will come when I leap like a calf out of the stall. Malachi 4:2, a day I will mount up with wings like eagles and run and not grow weary. Isaiah 40:31, a day when joy, peace, wholeness is restored. It is God’s promise and He does not lie.
Betty — Precious Promises for weary hearts.
We pause today — and thank Him for what is and what will be.
Love and prayers!
Brenda