At Thanksgiving, we gather to remember all the wonderful things that God has done and the blessings he has bestowed upon us. The good health, financial provision, our family's well being and safety are all examples of his great faithfulness and love towards us. But what about when things don't seem so good in our lives or in the world around us? Is God still there? Does he still love us?

Recently, a lot of what we see on the news is sad, and honestly so hard to watch and believe that it's true. People suffering from natural disasters, losing everything they own, having to seek food and shelter. Shootings, both in open spaces, as well as churches. Innocent people, many of whom know and love God, losing their lives and being injured. Sickness and disease continues to spread. I am constantly hearing of more and more people, both old and young, being diagnosed with cancer.

Naturally, I cry out to God not understanding the "why" behind so much sadness and hurting. I am human, and it is hard to see people I love suffering. However, something clicked in me when I came across today's verse... "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."We live in a broken and fallen world, and bad things happen and will continue to happen. BUT, God is still good and his love for us endures forever! He gave his only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins, while enduring great suffering. Even Jesus felt like he had been forsaken by his Father at one point.²  But God is good! He gives beauty for ashes³, so something good will always come from the suffering in our lives. We may not understand it now, but it will come.

In addition to all the suffering I've seen on the news, I have also seen thousands of people around the world coming together to help each other in a time of great need. This, my friends, is what we are called to do... LOVE. We may not understand everything that happens, but I do believe God is giving us all the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. Jesus continues to be our hope, and this is something we can share with people who so desperately need to hear it

So, this Thanksgiving, I am thankful. Thankful for God's unfailing love that lasts forever, and thankful that he has given me the privilege of knowing him and being able to share his love with others. Will you join me in sharing this love with someone who is hurting today?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for your unfailing and endless love. In a world of so much suffering and despair, I pray that you would use me to show your love to those who may be feeling alone and discouraged. Fill us with attitudes of thanksgiving this day. Not only for what you have done, but for all that you are going to do. In Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV).

2. Mark 15:34 (NIV).

3. Isaiah 61:3 (NIV).