Find Strength in Gratitude This Thanksgiving

Rejoice, reflect, and connect as you navigate life's challenges with faith and perseverance.

As we enter Thanksgiving week, we hope you can spend time with your family and reflect on the blessings in your life. In today's overscheduled, fast-paced world, we often do not get time to do that. Maybe you can even take some time to enjoy watching the Lions win another game, take a walk with your wife, or hang out with your kids. Let's put this verse front and center as we enter this week.

"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

We started a new devotion this past week on PERSERVERENCE. How do we keep going? Where does our strength come from? How do we FINISH STRONG? We suspect we all deal with these questions.

Let's face it: life throws stuff at us. I suspect there are days when you do not feel "thankful." If you are like us, most days are action-packed, with schedules filled with little to no room for margin. Also, there can be jobs, money, health, kids, and marriage issues. Yes, the list could go on.   Unfortunately, none of us are immune from "life stuff."

What do you do when you feel stuck? Stuck in a situation, a relationship, a problem, and you do not know how you will get out of it. First, remember you are not alone. Do not internalize it like many guys and "gut it out."

"Look to the Lord for HIS strength; seek his face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11

Yes, talk to the Lord in prayer. He already knows what you are facing, and you cannot hide it from Him. Remember—HE LAYS AWAKE ALL NIGHT, JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO GET UP!! He loves it when we share our challenges with Him. He wants a relationship with YOU like nothing else.

Another thing that is recommended is being transparent with a Christian friend. This might be your wife or a close friend, depending on the situation. One of the reasons we started Seven24 was to provide an opportunity for men to meet other men and, hopefully, through that connection, provide the outlet for developing deeper relationships.

The key is to find one friend you can trust to journey through life with. Who can share your joys AND challenges? Someone you know will always have your back. If you do not have that friend, do not hesitate to contact your pastor or counselor. Just be bold enough to ask for help. 

"A friend loves at ALL times, and a brother is born for adversity." A true friend is there for you when you need them. Not just when you're having fun" Proverbs 17:17

A third consideration is not giving up or throwing in the towel when facing challenges. Sure, there is always the "easy button," but it may not be the "right button." Put your hope in something bigger. Keep running when it feels like you want to stop. FINISH STRONG

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will SOAR on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:31

One last thing: When you feel sorry for yourself, pour into someone else. Giving to and pouring into others helps us deal with our challenges. It takes the focus off us and puts it on others.  

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE" Acts 20:35

As challenging as life can be, our prayer for each of you this week is that you can focus on those areas of your life that you feel thankful for and feel God's blessings. In some small way, can you pour the blessings you have received into someone else? You will be amazed at what that does to put your challenges into perspective.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and your families. May God meet you where you need HIM most!

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