THE SHADOW OF THANKSGIVING
by Pastor Jack Hayford
The splendor of the Thanksgiving season shines never so splendidly
as it does in places and in hearts where the shadows of pain or
disappointment are unable to dim the radiance of praise to God.
Notwithstanding trials they’re traversing of difficulties being
navigated, this Thanksgiving Day you will find a multitude of souls
who are possessed by a wisdom rooted in the reality of God’s
unchanging goodness. These know that since He has never been nor
ever will be the source of their struggles, there’s never reason
to cease worshipping Him. Their praise is unstinted, for they laud
God’s faithfulness to them even though present stresses would
test that resolve.
Just as the angle of late autumn’s sun casts longer shadows
in our hemisphere, so there are seasons of our soul that introduce
events and eventualities that stretch traces of darkness across
otherwise bright days. And just as November’s fogs often dampen
our mornings, so this season bespeaks how life’s transitions
seem to block the sun for today or blur our vision of tomorrow.
But there is a breed of believer that never relents praising—come
fog or shadow.
So it is, on this Thanksgiving Day, I want to rise to salute this
grand host of devoted believers who remain unshaken by the tremors
of upset and upheaval. They’re a people who become a blessing
to us all—for their thankful hearts bring smiles amid shadows.
Though navigating stormy waters, they live in a light that no darkness
can diminish, and they reflect that light creating a rainbow effect
that brightens everything around them and awakens promise in every
heart.
They’ll be feasting today at tables where their praise will
rise to God for His multitudinous mercies, bountiful blessings,
unflagging faithfulness, and glorious goodnesses everywhere. Even
though less discerning souls may hear their words of thankfulness
for their blessings, and looking cautiously around at the praiser’s
circumstance, may whisper, "Where?," their sincerity summons
us see with their eyes of faith and to sing with their heart of
praise—
- …Even when the checkbook balance is small, and there is
little to nothing in the cupboard;
- …Even when work has evaporated, and the heat of the circumstantial
is near boiling;
- …Even when strength seems gone, health is waning and the
diagnosis demands dismay.
- …Even when a loved one lingers on the edge of eternity
and their lot is to patiently nurse the dying.
Today, let’s take our cue from these people whose praise to
God—however appropriately prompted by great blessings—is
just as praise-ready when shadows come. They’re this way because
their praise has found its deepest root in the abiding goodness
of God’s nature, not merely in the temporal goodnesses of His
providence. So join me in this, would you? Let’s become so
fixed in gratitude for the changeless fact that God IS good, that
our praise persists even when transient facts tempt us to transient
faith. Yes, join me in the settled will to let the abiding truth
of one text gain an inescapable grip on our souls: "Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from
the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow
of turning." James 1:17
A pair of decades ago, a pop-lyric sentimentalized on the "Shadow
of Your Smile," as one lover sang of his devotion, even in
his loved one’s absence, saying, it "will color all my
dreams and light the dawn." It’s not a bad beginning for
a hymn this Thanksgiving Morn, for the changeless Lover of our souls—seen
clearly for Who He is—deserves our highest praise and deepest
devotion even when shadows come.
Things may change, but He never does,
Tides turn back, but He never will;
Turmoil churns, but He is my peace;
Troubles come, but He’s present still.
This morning, rise and sing in the light of this truth about your
Father. Even if there’s a shadow on your Thanksgiving Day,
rejoice that you’re life is still secured—within the grander
shadow of His wings.
It’s never dark there.
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"Brethren,
having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living
way, which He consecrated for us..." Hebrews 10:19-20
  Jack
Hayford Ministries
14800 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233
(800) 776-8180 * FAX: (818) 779-8411
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Last updated on: 7/09/03
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