Prayer and Thanksgiving. Two vital parts to any believer’s relationship with Christ.
As we approach the holiday season, many will find it easy to give prayers of thanksgiving to our Creator. But for some, it’s not so easy to pray and give thanks. Whether life and the holiday season bring ease and joy, or heartache and struggle, Jesus is there. He will sit with you in the hard times and rejoice with you in the good times.

Job gives us a good example of how to both mourn and rejoice. In chapter 1 we are introduced to Job. God says, “There is no one on earth like him. He is blameless and upright; a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (vs 8) God allows Satan to take almost everything from Job-his wealth, his possessions, his servants, his health, even his children. Job tore his robes, shaved his head and mourned, but he also worshipped and blessed the Lord. In verse 21 Job says, “the LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

In chapter 10, Job laments to God, begging for understanding. Why would God allow such things to happen to a man whom God Himself said was blameless and upright?! Job wanted to know what he had done to receive God’s wrath. By chapter 19 (after a lot of bad advice from his friends), Job is back to praising God. “For I know that my Redeemer lives and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” (vs 25) Job knew that God was his redeemer & deliverer. He knew that one day he would see God face to face.

Job shows us that we can lament and mourn-God can take it. But we can’t stay stuck in mourning. Like Job, we must remind ourselves of God’s true character, His power & might, His love & mercy. Even in the midst of hard and heartbreaking, God doesn’t change. His power is most evident in the times of our greatest weakness. Nothing that happens is outside of His hands. We can mourn and lament, but then let our weeping turn to praises. Like Job, we can tear our robes and shave our heads (metaphorically…please don’t go shave your heads!) BUT then we must turn to praise and worship and say “Blessed be the name of the Lord!!” Spend dedicated time in prayer, praising God for His mighty works even in the midst of hard. Be purposeful in finding gratitude for everything, even the hard. And be prepared for a battle because Satan hates nothing more than a soul focused on praising God in the middle of a storm. Be ready with God’s Word…soak your heart and mind so when Satan’s lies come flying at you like flaming arrows, the Shield of Faith stops them.

Here are a few verses from Psalm that remind us of God’s power and might:

Psalm 145:11

Psalm 150:2

Psalm 92:4

This holiday season (and every day), make a concerted effort to praise God for who He is and what He has done for you!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

Praise Him all creatures here below!

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts!

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

-Jenn