T
hanksgiving. For many, it brings to mind turkey, pie, and time with family. For me, it brings to mind those things, but also the very opposite–loneliness and a very very empty house. You see, four years ago, on the day before Thanksgiving, my world fell apart. At that point, I was still what many would consider a newlywed, as Jess and I had been married just under five months. She left me the day before Thanksgiving and took all of her stuff with her. Her family had driven to our house to have Thanksgiving day festivities there. They left too. So there I sat, curled up in as much of a ball as someone my height can manage. In an empty house. Completely alone. I felt thrown out and utterly abandoned. All of my worst fears had come true over the course of a few hours.
It was the worst day of my life.
As I sat at my very rock bottom, I started to look up. I dug into my bible like never before, and I sought God with a new fervor. I found new truths to hang on to, and they lifted me up as God started to repair what was broken. These are a few of those truths:
God’s truths
- God is with you everywhere you go
- God is faithful and will protect you
- God is your stronghold
- God calls you His child
- God is overflowing with love and faithfulness
- Through God, we have power and love
- God will never leave or forsake you
- God’s love for you is never-ending
- Nothing can separate you from God’s love
- Even the hard things in life are a loving gift from God
- God rejoices over you
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
– Psalm 46:1
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
– 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
– Psalm 27:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”
– 1 John 3:1
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
– Psalm 86:15
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7
The LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
– Deuteronomy 31:6b
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
– Psalm 136:1
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
– Romans 8:38-39
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Peter 1:6
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
– Zephaniah 3:17
The day before that Thanksgiving was the worst day of my life. And yet, as I look back, it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Because on that day, I hit bottom. It was the start of a very long journey, but there was nowhere to go but up. I leaned into God like never before. I clung to His truths and fervently prayed for His provision and healing in my life. And through His grace, God saved my marriage as only He could. Not only did He save my marriage, but he healed my heart. I was in desperate need of God’s grace and love, but I didn’t know it until I hit rock bottom. He scooped me up and gently helped me to pick up the pieces.
As I come into Thanksgiving this year, I remember the feelings of pain and the abandonment, but I also remember far more brightly that those things are in the past and God has delivered me from them.
So this Thanksgiving, whether you’re with a huge group or all by yourself, whether you’re in the best of times or the worst, know that God loves you exactly as you are. And He can deliver you from whatever struggles you have. There is nothing that He can’t save in a life fully submitted to Him. There is always hope. As we enter into Thanksgiving this week, know that you are deeply and fiercely loved and that God is with you through every circumstance.
Where have you seen God come through in a big way? Share with us in the comments!
