God’s alone presence is worth our gratitude.
The irony of Thanksgiving, a day dedicated to expressing gratitude to God for life’s blessings, is not lost on many Americans. There is a curious contrast between giving thanks on Thursday and the consumer frenzy that follows on Black Friday. It’s a humorous yet poignant reflection on how, despite knowing the truth of the gospel and the claims of God, many choose to trust created things over the Creator.
As we embark on the holiday season, let’s take a moment to delve into the trustworthiness of God, a theme explored through the lens of the Christmas story. Drew invites us to explore the narrative of hope woven through the Old Testament and the New Testament, revealing that His work extends far beyond our surface-level understanding.
In a society where materialism often takes center stage, the speaker reminds us that trusting Him doesn’t require us to commit intellectual suicide. The trustworthiness of God, as laid out in the video, is not a leap into the unknown; it’s a plausible and rational choice. It’s a call to reflect on the trustworthiness of His promises and His sufficiency in our lives.
God alone is sufficient. Amidst the chaos of holiday shopping and the pursuit of momentary happiness through material possessions, Drew encourages us to find our rest and peace in Him alone. The words echo the sentiment that He is not just a provider of blessings but is, in fact, our peace, guiding us along the right path for His name’s sake.
Drew’s reflections are intertwined with passages affirming God’s promises, emphasizing that He will show us the way and make a path for us if we are willing to follow. In a world filled with uncertainties and darkness, the video reminds us that we are not alone. God is not merely an observer; He is active with us, leading the way and preparing a place for us.
Acknowledging the struggles and darkness that individuals may face, the speaker offers a resounding “amen” to the fact that we are not on our own. The reassurance that God is during our challenges, going before us, is a comforting thought. The video encourages us to surrender to His guidance, trusting that He is preparing a place for us—a place we can call our eternal home.
As we contemplate the irony of Thanksgiving, a day set aside for gratitude followed closely by the consumer frenzy of Black Friday, we’re confronted with a paradox of human behavior: the contrast between giving thanks to God for life’s blessings and the relentless pursuit of material goods. It’s a stark reminder of our propensity to trust in created things rather than the Creator Himself, despite our knowledge of the gospel and the claims of He upon our lives.
Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This verse encapsulates the essence of trusting in God—acknowledging His sovereignty and wisdom above our own limited understanding. It speaks directly to the theme of trustworthiness that Drew emphasized in his reflections.
One of the most profound demonstrations of trust in God can be found in the story of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22, we read how He tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. Despite the apparent contradiction—His promise to make Abraham a great nation through Isaac—Abraham obeyed without hesitation. His trust in God’s faithfulness was unwavering, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances. At the last moment, God provided a ram caught in the thicket as a substitute for Isaac, reaffirming His covenant and demonstrating His trustworthiness to Abraham.
The Christmas story itself is another testament to God’s trustworthiness. Mary, a young virgin, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Despite the cultural and personal challenges she faced, Mary responded with faith, proclaiming in Luke 1:38, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Her willingness to trust God’s plan, despite the uncertainty and potential social repercussions, speaks volumes about the trustworthiness of God to fulfill His promises.
In today’s society, where materialism often takes precedence and trust in God can seem like a radical choice, we are called to reflect on the trustworthiness of God’s promises. The Christmas season, with its commercial hustle and bustle, offers us a poignant opportunity to refocus on the true meaning of trust and faith. It challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate trust—in fleeting possessions or in the eternal promises of God.
Drew’s reflections remind us that trusting God is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a rational choice based on His proven faithfulness throughout history. He is not merely a distant deity, but a loving Father who invites us into a relationship of trust and dependency upon Him. As we navigate the complexities of life and the allure of material comforts, we can find true rest and peace in God alone.
Psalm 23:1-3 declares, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” These verses beautifully illustrate God’s role as our provider, guide, and source of true fulfillment. They reinforce the message that our trust in God’s sufficiency transcends the temporary pleasures of this world.
In conclusion, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and enter into the Christmas season, let us remember the profound truth of God’s trustworthiness. Let us emulate the faith of Abraham and Mary, who trusted God wholeheartedly despite the circumstances. May we find our ultimate security and joy in Him alone, knowing that He is faithful to His promises and steadfast in His love for us.
Drew reflects on the eternity that awaits, citing the examples of three individuals whose homes are being prepared by Christ. The invitation is clear: say yes to walking with the Holy Spirit, trusting everything He is. It’s a poignant reminder amid holiday preparations and consumerism that there is a higher purpose and more significant trustworthiness to embrace—the trustworthiness of God’s eternal plan and His enduring presence in our lives.
In this season of celebration, let’s not be carried away by the superficial allure of Black Friday deals. Instead, let’s find solace and joy in the trustworthiness of Chisrt, whose promises extend beyond material possessions and fleeting happiness. As we navigate the hustle and bustle of the holidays, may we choose to trust the Creator over created things, finding our rest and peace in Him alone.
