Simply the Bible Blog

This week it all begins: Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie, family and all those leftovers…

Then the official Christmas season kick-off, followed by the New Year. The holidays are a magical time of year. But for some they are miserable. So many expectations. So much heartache–especially for those who have suffered loss.

How do we celebrate in a way that makes the most of the season without setting ourselves up for disappointment?

In a way I’m thankful that the holidays begin with Thanksgiving. I can become so self-focused. But Thanksgiving takes my eyes off myself and puts them upon God. How easy it is to become depressed when we take our eyes off God and put them upon anything else! Yet, when we consider the goodness of God…when we think of how faithful He has been to us…when we meditate upon the fullness of His grace, mercy and love toward us, then our hearts overflow with gratitude. What a fitting way to begin the holiday season!

And so my Thanksgiving blessing for you is Psalm 121:

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121:1–8, NKJV)

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!