Pumpkins and Promises: The Promise of "Better"

One of my favorite things about journaling, is that I get to look back and remember all that God has done. My thoughts and feelings at a particular time are recorded for me to see. Sometimes it's hard to read because the me now sees those situations from this side and views them with new light and grace. But there's a beauty in that too. Seeing growth and grace.
I came across an entry from Thanksgiving 4 years ago and I want to share that here today. It's real and raw, and right where I'm still so often finding myself.

"Hebrews 13:15
'Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.'
Continual?
How?
By knowing Him.
In heaven, that's all I'll do. Praise Him.
But here, it's called a sacrifice of praise. Why?
Because here other things seem better than Him. Other things creep in and steal my heart away from His greatness and goodness. I forget. I am distracted.
Giving thanks in everything is the result of a heart gripped by the reality that Jesus is "better".
Better than prayers being answered as I prayed.
Better than a healthy, strong body.
Better than a perfect marriage.
Better than obedient children.
Better than a dream job.
Better than a full night's rest.
Better than financial stability.
Better than clothes that fit.
Better than a perfect body.
Better than a yard for my kids to play in.
Better than living overseas.
Better than a perfect president.
Better than sunshine.
Better than any friend.
Better than holding all my babies in my arms this side of heaven.
Better than having a long life.
Better than not losing a loved one.
Always and forever continually better.

And because He is always, continually, forever better, I can offer up a sacrifice of praise, giving Him thanks in everything, because in everything, He is still better.
He is the my 'in everything give thanks.' Because, 'in everything', He is ALWAYS better."
Friends, I read that entry and was brought to tears remembering afresh that we are promised better because of Jesus. He has guaranteed it with His blood. He is our living hope.
No matter, how thankful you feel today, I want to invite you to take a few minutes, and list out the areas in your life that are so hard for you to accept and remind yourself that Jesus is better.
The promise of "better" is the means of thanksgiving.
God doesn't call us to always "feel" thankful. He recognizes how costly it is.
But He does ask us to always give thanks as an expression of faith in His promise of "better".

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!
May you know the hope of Jesus who is better and the promise of better to come, and may it fuel you to truly give thanks in everything today and every day!
Listen to.Jesus, there's no one like you and praise God for the gift of better He is!!!

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