On Being Thankful

Thursday, November 24, 2022

On Being Thankful…
By: Lori Ennis

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

I know it’s Thanksgiving day, but I have to be honest. Since my son died 13 years ago Monday, Thanksgiving has always been hard.

If you’re struggling with loss or heartache or any weight on your heart, I get that Thanksgiving can be…complicated. It’s tough to be thankful when you’re hurting.

So may I encourage you today?
May I remind you that Jesus knows about complicated feelings? He went through them on purpose so He could soothe your heart?

As He followed the Father’s will, He walked into pain and suffering, and left behind those who loved Him and He’d called friends.

I imagine being thankful for the perfect redemptive plan of His Father while at the same time knowing the pain and cost it would come at was the epitome of complicated feelings.

And if you’re feeling conflicted today…if it’s hard to muster up gratitude because your heart hurts so much, will you take it to Him?

Will you lay it at His feet and let Him give you rest?

My son was born on November 28, 2009 and died on November 29. His name was Matthew.

Matthew 11:28-29 tells us to go to Him when we are weary and burdened and He will give us rest. He’s gentle and humble in heart and He will give you rest for your soul. 

Though the circumstances of your world may not leave you feeling thankful right now, rest in knowing He loves you enough to go to the cross. He loves you enough to bear your burden. He loves you enough to understand that joy and sorrow can exist simultaneously.

And He loves you enough to gently allow you the space to find Peace in Him.