Suddenly, it is November! To me, November means the beginning of the holiday season, as well as the start of a month many consider the month of Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and a warm start to holiday traditions. Although, if you are like me, the holidays may be a time that does not seem so happy. It can be hard to always feel thankful and happy, especially if you have lost loved ones, your family is broken, or your life is stressful or overwhelming. Sometimes, we want something more – and being thankful for what we have (or do not have, for that matter) is really hard! I think it may be safe to say that most of us have been there. 

In Psalm 16, David wrote: “Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

David was a man who had not had it easy. His family was messy. He had received a promise from God that took 12 years to be fulfilled. He had people literally trying to end his life – and yet, he wrote these words. Instead of asking for more, or sitting in the frustration that he could have felt, he chose to praise God. And not only that, but David was secure in what God had already given him.

David calls the Lord “his portion,” which makes me think of a meal. In any given meal (such as Thanksgiving) you will have different portions of food. The food we physically eat is what sustains or hinders us physically. In the same way, God is what sustains us emotionally and spiritually – but if we try to fill up with anything else, we will be left unsatisfied, ungrateful, and ultimately, starving for something more. 

“Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will bless the Lord who counsels me  — even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Thanksgiving is a time that may be filled with joy, or it may be filled with worry and sadness. As we are preparing for the holiday season, and probably some big meals too, let’s not become too overwhelmed that we miss all that we do have to be thankful for. The Lord is enough; He has great plans for you; He is our comfort; He is our peace; and He is our guide. The Lord is with you – you are not alone in this season. There is so much to be thankful for! 

Written By: Mackenzie Grace @walkingingraceandfaith