The Long View of Thanksgiving

It’s called, among other names, an elongated throat catch basin. The structure’s primary purpose is to remove lots of water from a roadway. I took this photo in Arizona while there for a meeting with the Board of Directors for the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies. We spent a few days planning the group’s activities and visiting some of Tucson’s stormwater measures.

This storm drainage structure is plenty adequate for those day-to-day rain events. In addition, you can count on it to keep the road clear from an extended rain/storm event. It handles trash and debris well and doesn’t become clogged easily. And finally, one of the system’s strong points is its ability to take in the gully-washers that the semi-arid region of Arizona is known for during a monsoon season.

I believe our thanksgiving should be the same way.

We often have discreet times we are thankful. Maybe we get a raise at work or a good report from our doctor. I’m thankful when my wife and I are able to return home safely from traveling. Almost without fail, we pull into the garage, look at each other and say, “thank you God for keeping us safe on the roads.”

And probably like you, we are thankful when there are times of distress or anxiety caused by situations beyond our control (and those we cause). You know what it’s like. Maybe you choose to take a risk and end up in a nearly bad situation. Think about traffic mishaps like trying to scoot through a red light, pulling out in front of someone closer than you think, or one that is highly avoidable like texting while driving.

When we make it through one of these situations, we are thankful that despite the trash and debris of our decisions, God handled them.

And finally, one of the hardest times to be thankful is during long unsettled seasons. You know, like the one we’ve been going through for some time now. Sometimes it’s difficult to muster a thankful heart when week after week, our situation seems to be getting worse. Gathering for work, worship, or family time is challenging at best. At times, almost impossible.

Here’s hope from God’s Word.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

What an encouragement! God knows what we are going through, no matter the trial. He doesn’t tell us that it will all be better if we just find someone to talk to, deal with it ourselves, or just keep on keeping on.

He promises a peace only He can provide. Life may not feel like it’s getting better. Or there may be times when we recognize we do indeed have things to be thankful for. Either way, God tells us to lay aside our anxiousness. We are to pray and ask Him—all the while thanking Him. He promises something the world can’t provide and often we can’t understand. God’s peace.

Isaiah tells us Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is able and willing. In fact, He doesn’t give us certain circumstances in which to ask for it, He tells us to petition “in every situation.”

If you are needing peace, join me in asking our Father in heaven for an ample supply.

Will you?

May you and your family experience His peace this Thanksgiving.

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.