IN ALL THINGS, GIVE THANKS
In this year of Covid 19, controversial elections, disruptive lifestyle, school challenges, and questions around how can we worship safely, what encouragement can we find for giving thanks?!
We are often amazed at the writings of the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Around the year 62 AD, he was imprisoned probably at Rome or Ephesus for preaching the Gospel. But even under those conditions he penned these words:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”
Recently, I was told by a doctor that anxiety is one of the major stressors present during this year in patients. I’m sure this is true for many of us. We tend to forget that the Lord is in control or we wonder why He allows conflict in our lives. Two facts of Scripture are often overlooked: His ways are not our ways and He can turn even the wrong decisions we, or others, make in our sinful nature, into good as we trust Him. He does this out of pure grace, just as He allowed His Son to suffer and die for our sins. As the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify us through Word and Sacrament, we can be assured of His strength and comfort during these times. Always be assured that you can contact me as your Pastor for private, spiritual consultation, prayer and/or the Sacrament.
Of course, He wants us to remember our needs in our prayers. We want to pray that vaccinations will be forthcoming soon, that the elections will result in God-pleasing government, etc., but always trusting His will. With such a faith, we can look forward to Thanksgiving with the words stated above from Philippians including:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice.”
Our yearly special Thanksgiving worship service is Wednesday evening, November 25 at
7 pm. Mask and social distancing may still be recommended.
Rev. James W. Rhiver, Pastor
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