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Make the November recipe – Cranberry Apple Cake

What are you grateful for?

Oftentimes, our answers are the blessings that are the easiest to see, like the family seated across from us, or the recent job promotion, or the brand new baby. But what about those things we can’t see, or those things that don’t feel very good right now? 

If you’re having a hard time coming up with a few blessings to name in your life, it may not be that you have nothing to be grateful for, but that you’re looking in all the wrong places to find what only God can give you. Are you looking to social media to tell you where to find joy? Are you seeking your family’s approval of your relationship status or your job title to feel peace? Are you letting the news tell you where hope is found? If the Word of God is not informing your heart and mind, then it becomes far too easy to forget the blessings poured out for us in Jesus. 

Let’s remind ourselves of what is true by looking to Scripture for the answers to our questions: 

What does Scripture have to say when faced with doubt about the right way forward? 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. – Psalm 32:8

What does God ask us to do when we receive news that breaks our hearts? 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What should our prayer be when we’re feeling less than joyful? 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. – Psalm 51:12

What does God’s Word remind us when life doesn’t feel good? 

The Lord will indeed give what is good. – Psalm 85:12

Where can we place our hope when we can’t physically see the blessings before us? 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:8-9

Yes, we live in a very broken world and there is much to cause our souls to be downcast, but our answer to a downcast soul? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5) 

Our prayer as you celebrate Thanksgiving this year is that you would remember what is absolutely true. Whatever the question, whatever the doubt, whatever the fear, God has an answer. We can trust God because He is forever faithful and He leads us along the right paths for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). If we really believe what the Bible says is true, then why would we not give thanks? Let the answers to your questions and the paths for your feet come from God and allow Him to restore in you the joy of your salvation this season.  

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! 

Listen to this short talk from Rebekah for more on finding our joy in the only one who can truly offer us the life we are longing for.