Hard Times on the Holidays

I love Thanksgiving. 
I love the colors, the smells, the food – especially cranberry sauce. It is the one time of year no one judges you for enjoying gelatin shaped like a can. I also love Thanksgiving because it gives us the opportunity to reflect on life with an attitude of gratitude.

Growing up, most girls had dream weddings, dream homes, dream cars… but I had dreams of the perfect Thanksgiving feast. In my imagination, I envisioned the perfect long farmhouse table decorated in gourds, leaves, and cornucopias. All my family, friends, and favorite people would be laughing and sharing the moments, events, and people they are thankful for. The food would be amazing and there would be plenty. Everyone’s heart will be happy and everyone’s belly will be full.

Regardless of my love for Thanksgiving, my memories of celebrating the day contain mixed emotions.
Some years it was the whole family with lots of friends — and even strangers that my family included in our holiday meal. In these years, my memories consist of funny stories that have become family legends. 

Some years were hard for family. We faced job losses, deaths, and financial issues right around the holiday season. There were some hard years due to broken friendships, backstabbing lies, and drama. It’s hard to feel thankful when going through that. In these years, the memories are peppered with tears and sadness. 

It’s difficult to grasp that we can struggle during the best time of the year. It is not something people want to highlight or talk about. However, you may be entering this Thanksgiving season with hurt, or pain, or sadness. Life doesn’t pause for the holidays, in fact, this season can intensify the difficulties or struggles we are already experiencing.

In the Bible, there are endless examples of men and women who faced hard times. There are stories of people who faced personal struggles (the bleeding woman in Luke 8:43-48),  relationships struggles (Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42), and social struggles (Peter denying Christ in John 18:15-27). There is example after example of faithful believers who faced heart-breaking setbacks. 

READ COLOSSIANS 3:15 & 17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

One prime example of scriptural struggle is one of the first Christian Missionaries in the whole world — Paul. All throughout the New Testament, we see a guy who spent a large portion of his ministry facing persecution. He was in and out of prison, facing charges for major crimes, shipwrecked, and even bitten by a snake. However, Paul consistently urges his audience to be thankful regardless of their situation. Despite all of his setbacks, Paul tells us to be thankful and let the peace of Christ be our guide, and then to do all things with an attitude of thanksgiving.

There is something mind-blowing about a man unfairly on death row proclaiming the importance of thanksgiving. I can imagine that if I were in that situation, my words & thoughts would be different. Paul is a powerful example though. He urges his audience to count their blessings despite their burdens. In this passage, Paul sets up a clear pathway to peace — through thanksgiving. 

APPLICATION: The practice of gratitude not only brings you closer to God, but it also empowers you to find peace despite your problems.

TALK IT OUT 
Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.
Q1: What was the best part of your day? What was the lowest point?
Q2: What is something you are grateful for today? In your life?
Q3: Think of a time in your life when circumstances led you to struggle? How did you respond?
Q4: What is a practice that you can adapt to express gratitude in times of stress? In times of sadness? In times of hurt?
Q5: What is something you can do as a group to help each other when one of you is facing hard times?

READING PLAN FOR THE DECEPTION
READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT TEN DAYS
Romans 5:3-5
Philippians 4:12-13
2 Corinthians 4:8
Philippians 4:6-7
John 16:33
Joshua 1:9
Job 2:11
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Colossians 3:12-14
Psalm 30:11-12

Do the following with each passage: 
ASK – God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down, inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ – the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT – on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND – to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.

BY LIZ GARRELL

THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE WAS WRITTEN BY LIZ GARRELL WITH THE HELP OF THE RESET TEAM.
@notoriousl.i.z