The Thanksgiving holiday, meant to be a time of joy and gratitude, can often amplify our pain and struggles: some people may be navigating the grief that comes from celebrating a holiday without a beloved family member for the first time, while others may be bracing for the impact of dysfunctional family dynamics, and still others may feel an increased sense of loneliness and isolation. Below are some thoughts and encouragement for navigating this holiday and finding hope in the midst of a hard season.
Acknowledging Our Pain
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that our pain is valid. A phrase we often repeat at our practice is, “In order to heal, you have to get real and feel.” Instead of pretending like everything is normal, we encourage all of our clients to allow themselves to feel what they are feeling and pour their hearts out to God in honest, raw prayer. The Lord knows our hearts intimately, and He invites us to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). Whether you’re facing the first holiday without a loved one or dreading tense family gatherings, know that God sees your struggle and will never leave to forsake you (Romans 8:38-39).
Finding Comfort in God’s Sovereignty
As a believer, it can be comforting to meditate on God’s sovereignty. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This doesn’t mean that every single event that happens to us is a good thing, but rather that God is so powerful and good that he can even turn something that is evil and tragic on its head and use it for our good and his glory.
Persevering in Gratitude
One of the ways we can help elevate things from being in a rut is finding the good and making a deliberate choice to focus on that. The apostle Paul exhorts us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Even in seasons where it feels like we are destitute, with nothing to be grateful for, we can choose to focus on who God is and the work Christ has done for us, which helps us to lift our eyes above our current circumstances.
Extending and Receiving Grace
Family gatherings can be challenging, especially when relationships are strained. Remembering that we are all fallen creatures in need of God’s grace helps us give the grace and kindness to others that Christ has extended to us in dying on the cross for our sins. Forgiving the wrongs that others have done to us frees us from the hurts of the past, regardless of whether you are able to reconcile with the person or not. At the same time, it is not wrong to set healthy boundaries where necessary, always seeking to honor God in your interactions.
Looking Forward with Hope
As we navigate this Thanksgiving season, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). However prolonged the struggle is, it is temporary, but our hope in Christ is eternal. Take heart in knowing that one day, we will feast at the Lord’s table, where all tears will be wiped away and all wrongs will be made right.
May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds this Thanksgiving and always.
Chew On This:
What is one hopeful promise from Scripture that you can memorize and meditate on during this season?
