Giving Thanks in a Broken World?

Well, because we live in a broken world. This world is filled with sickness, pain, hardship, and death because it is no longer the “very good” (perfect) world God made (Genesis 1:31). It’s now groaning from the effects of sin and the curse (Romans 8:22).

And Christ doesn’t promise Christians that we will live what we might consider to be a “blessed” life (happy, healthy, and wealthy). Instead, he promises we will face hardship—but he will be with us in it, and he will use all circumstances for our good and his glory, as he makes us more like Christ.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

No matter our personal struggles, we have cause to be joyful and grateful because our biggest problem has been solved!

This means, no matter our personal struggles, we have cause to be joyful and grateful because our biggest problem has been solved! If you are in Christ, he has paid the sin-debt you owe; God has reconciled you to himself through his Son; Christ is sanctifying you to present you to himself as his beautiful bride without blemish or spot; and he is preparing an eternal home in glory that far outweighs anything we endure in this fallen world. Praise the Lord!

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:27)

Therefore, no matter what happens, we can humbly say with Job,

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)

And we can also rejoice with the psalmist.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
    Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100)

I trust you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. From all of us at Answers in Genesis, Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.