May your heart be blessed this Thanksgiving with the joy that comes from the living God.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that speaks of grateful hearts for the year’s blessings, and especially for the harvest. This is a holiday that has not only cultural traditions, but also religious roots. Many homes have culture-based decorations such as corn stalks and pumpkins to symbolize the holiday. But many also precede the meal, with heart-felt prayers of gratitude for the meal and for all God’s blessings.

The cooks have spent many hours preparing the meal that is about to be devoured. The fireplace is lit, the smell of turkey permeates the kitchen, and pumpkin pies sit by temptingly. Family and friends fill the home with talk and laughter as the feast begins.

The day is full of events, as children play, friends and family talk, and old family stories are shared. Sometimes Thanksgiving is a time for the beginning of blessings as well as the renewing of old friendships and relationships. It’s also often a time of forgiveness, allowing for new possibilities in hearts and lives.

At the end of the big day, all are filled with food, and hearts are filled and spirits renewed with the fellowship that has occurred throughout the day. I realize this is not the picture for everyone, and even though joy should not depend on our circumstances, sometimes we allow it to be. We forget that “… in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me (Psalm 27:5-7, NIV).

The celebration is similar to one God has planned for each of us. That will be a day of thanksgiving when, in the heavenly realms, we sit at the table that has been prepared to celebrate the harvesting of souls who reside with their King. It will be a time when hearts are filled with complete gratitude for the saving grace that has made it possible for each of us to sit with our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that all has been forgiven. Family and friends are reunited, with no more pain or sicknesses, but rather surrounded by an unfailing and eternal love. It is His love, overflowing like a waterfall, ripples and splashes of living water bringing a supernatural beauty.

Your sexually broken loved ones need to know the truth in light. God does forgive and desires to bring them close to him. Families need to be refreshed in God’s promises, and to be ministered to as they wonder where God is in the midst of their pain. Joy can’t be forced in difficult situations. But we know the importance of what James said: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3, NIV).

May your heart be blessed this Thanksgiving with the joy that comes from the living God.