Weekly Words Devotional (Sunday, November 22, 2020) by Bryce Zeigle

It’s been a long year and if I can be honest with you, I’m not feeling particularly thankful. I can give you a whole list of things that I should be thankful for, but that list is only a mental exercise and not a reflection of how my heart actually feels. My heart feels lonely, tired, frustrated, and ready for all of this to end. How fortunate that we have a Savior in Jesus who knows what it feels like to be us right now.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” ~ Hebrews 4:15-16

No other religion has a savior who lived the human experience. Most people should be shocked to learn about a God, who in all His power and wisdom, would willingly become human, to suffer and die a martyrs death. When times are tough (and even when they’re not), remember that there is no more understanding source of mercy and grace than a relationship with Jesus!

The desert is a lonely, exhausting, and frustrating place. When the Israelites were wandering in the desert the LORD encouraged his people to celebrate 7 different levitical feasts. What a strange command! But I think that God knows something about people....we are forgetful. We forget that the Lord has worked in the past, is working in the present, and will continue to work in the future. The feats reminded the Israelites that God is faithful, never-changing, always at work.

As we approach this feast of thanksgiving. No matter how lonely, tired, or frustrated you feel; I encourage you to reflect & give thanks. Draw near to Jesus, be honest about what you’re feeling. Jesus understands your situation completely. Allow this holiday to wash over you and remind you how God has worked in the past, is working now, and will keep working in the future. And no matter what you feel or what you can remember, always know that there is infinite grace and mercy in the arms of Christ.

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