I absolutely love that this Thanksgiving season we are looking to express gratitude to God not just for what he has given us, but for who he is and what he is like. Dear friends, this deeper understanding of God is what will drive our gratitude and lead us to become more thankful in all circumstances and for all things.

I don’t know about you, but every year I look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. But inevitably they leave me feeling stressed, and overwhelmed. The planning, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and decorating can easily rob me of joy and replace it with complaining. Add to that the many family members that descend onto our home (many of whom we only see during this time) and things can get tense. This is the perfect time of year to meditate on the truth that God is our rock–because isn’t that what we really need? A place of refuge during emotional storms and a strong footing when we just want to crumble.

A Place of Refuge

There are many days when I want to run and hide from all the craziness in my life. Do you ever feel that way? But curling up in a fetal position is not the answer. It will neither protect us nor provide us with strength.

he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Our strength may impress some, but it will never be enough. God’s strength must become our strength.  This will only happen when we take refuge in him. But what does this mean? How do we take refuge in God?

The answer is found not in any new way, but in the old ways prescribed to us by God. We must wrap ourselves in his word  so that the Holy Spirit can use those words to comfort and heal us. And we must shower our days with prayer .  I don’t believe we truly understand the importance of prayer. If Jesus was so clearly dependent on his Heavenly Father in prayer, how much more must we cast ourselves upon his mercy and listening ear! We must take our cue from Jesus. Prayer is vital to our spiritual and emotional health and the means by which God is active in our lives. Without prayer we become isolated and alone in our battles, whatever they may be.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

A Sure footing

Mountains do not move easily, and our God is mightier and stronger than even the biggest mountain. He cannot be moved and if we build our faith on him we are safe. Though satan may try to destroy us, our hearts will try to betray us, and the world will try to lead us away from God, our souls are kept safe atop this strong rock who is our God. So in the midst of uncertainty that we face during this holiday time, you can know that God does not waver, change, or move. He is your steadfast saviour, your calm place though the winds that swirl all around you. We can say with Chrysostom, “I stand upon a Rock, let the sea rage, the Rock cannot be disturbed.”
We will find strength the more confidently we stand upon this rock.

Let the verses for today lift your hearts and voices in praise of our good God, our solid rock.

For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
Psalm 18:31,32

Looking To Jesus,

Jen Thorn

Jen Thorn grew up in Germany and then spent her teenage years in Africa, where her parents were missionaries. She moved to the United States for college and attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where she met her husband. They have been married for twenty-two years and have four children. Jen lives in the suburbs of Chicago, where her husband is the pastor of Redeemer Fellowship. Jen is passionate about theology and the connection to daily living.