Giving thanks, even in turbulent days

In a helpful devotional book titled “Navigating the storms of life”, author Gary Inrig writes, “Life in the modern world is like trying to navigate an uncharted, rapidly changing, unpredictable ocean.”  He penned those words a few years ago, but it sounds as if he could have written them this week!  2020 has been a difficult year.  Ryan Stevenson puts it well in his song, “Amadeo (still my God)”; he sings, “Life can take our breath away; tragedy can leave a wake; a broken heart won’t ever beat the same.” 

I’m well aware that you might be reading this with “a broken heart [that] won’t ever beat the same.”  Maybe the coronavirus took the life of your loved one.  Or maybe some other very sad development occurred, and you are in mourning right now.  So why be thankful?  It’s Thanksgiving, but where is gratitude in these turbulent days?  I began with a devotional by Gary Inrig; the booklet is about Job and his famous plight in the Bible.  At one point, Inrig writes,

“When Job’s nightmare day comes to an end and he finds himself stripped of everything he valued, his words are profound: “‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.  In all of this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing”’ (Job 1:20-22).  It is impossible not to be moved by Job’s response.  He makes no effort to choke off his emotions.  Through tears, Job maintained his focus on the Lord…These are not trite words; they are not pious words he was expected to say.  This was the resolve of his deepest being.”

This amazing affirmation of faith makes me think of my mother, Rose Mary.  By the way, I’m so thankful for her!  She recently put it so well.  She said that God is “the greatest gift we could ever receive.”  It’s true.  And remember, to quote Stevenson’s work again, Mom knows “a broken heart won’t ever beat the same.”  This time of year has a way of reminding us of the loved ones we have lost.  I certainly have gripping memories of my dad these days.

Suffering and pain notwithstanding, my mother is right.  To have an intimate friendship and fellowship with the Creator of the universe is a treasure that cannot be matched by anything or anyone else.  I don’t mean just checking in with Him on Sundays; no, I’m referring to a daily fellowship with Him.  In the painful episodes of life, you and I need help and hope.  We need what the Bible calls “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).  This doesn’t come through illegitimate sex or a bottle of alcohol; it comes with a relationship with God.  As Gary Inrig states in the devotional I’ve referenced, “The greatest privilege of life is to become a Christ-follower, a person living by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”

Kevin