It's Thanksgiving time and I'm glad for it. The food and festivities are nicer than Christmas, maybe because they're first for the Holidays. But the reminder to be thankful is the best part. Because I need it, don't you?
I know I say this a lot, but the beauty in everything: pretty food, newly arranged living spaces, and fresh loaves of bread, blesses me. There is enough ugly and unkind and horrific of life right around us to torture and tear at our peace. I ache so much, for people who suffer. So I take this season, to zoom in on this moment with my hands kneading bread dough, listening to Thanksgiving hymns. Hymns are poignant and healing to me. When the music is nice to boot, well that's perfection to my panicked muddle inside.
But even deeper than the beauty that I'm ardently grateful for, is the fact that God has my soul. Right through the rough times of pain. When discouraging words would break out, even frustrating rants. I feel so angry when defenceless people suffer! But it doesn't help for me to sin with my thoughts and lips, right?
Anyway I take great comfort in discovering that according to David's experiences even righteous people need to take refuge (find themselves in danger). The righteous choose to rejoice and to decide to offer praise because there's a situation that calls for it. We aren't saved from situations. But we can run to Him and be safe.
Psalm 64:10
The righteous one rejoices in the Lord and takes refuge in Him. All those who are upright in heart will offer praise.
Feelings don't get to decide my status or my identity in Jesus. God has my soul.
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