It has been a rough few weeks for a many in America if
their candidate was not elected to the Presidency back on November 8th.
The outcome of that historic event again revealed just how divided the nation
really is when it comes to politics and the direction that the county and
culture should take. Some are simply so distraught, even still, that that they are
unable to move forward after seeing their choice for the White House lose.
I heard on a TV news show how, in some in colleges, students
who seem unable accept the election result are receiving special
attention. Some have gotten time off from classes and counseling if they need
it. Others have been given coloring books, told to get therapy pets and even
told to use play dough to relieve their tension over facing a Trump Presidency.
A panel on a talk show I watched
discussed the strategy of how to get through Thanksgiving and avoid politics if
there is a serious rift within a family. Add to this the countless individuals in
neighborhoods and work places where people can’t even be civil to each other because
of the friction over the way the election turned out. Then there are others who
are actively opposing the new administration and even looking for legal loopholes
to somehow overturn it. Such is the political and cultural climate in current
day America.
And maybe it is just me, but that seems just a little over the top - all things
considered and when still living in America.
But some sixteen days after the nation was again painfully reminded
of their divided political and cultural loyalties, we find ourselves at another
Thanksgiving holiday. We find ourselves all still living in the greatest nation
on earth no matter who happens to reside in the Oval Office. We all find
ourselves to be the beneficiaries of freedoms, blessings and opportunities that
most around the world can only marvel at and envy. And for these things, and
more, we should be the most grateful people on the planet instead of hiding
under the covers in our pajamas and molding play dough for the next 4 years!
The Bible specifically commands believers to be thankful on
a consistent basis. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we read Paul’s words on the subject. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The word ‘you’ at the end of the
verse is directed at all believers regardless of their political affiliation. And
when times of stress and worry do arise, constant prayer coupled with
thanksgiving is the preferred solution as Philippians chapter four reveals.
Verse 6 begins, “Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
As this Thanksgiving holiday comes, and quickly goes, we
trust that those of us who enjoy the blessings of living where we do will pause and acknowledge our great and loving Creator. To
not do so, especially for those who have been forgiven and redeemed through His Son, is
unthinkable as well as unbiblical. Take time this year to make thanksgiving
to God a daily attitude and lifestyle - and not
just something casually done on a single November afternoon of family, food and football!
“Oh, give thanks to
the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Ps 118:2
Bill Breckenridge
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