I had been pondering the concept of a Thanksgiving sacrifice after reading in my devotions, and though I had read the phrase countless times and even sang about it, I had never stopped to think about thanksgiving being a sacrifice. I wanted to write about it, but every time I sat down to do so, no words would come to my mind. This went on for several weeks. A continual curiosity about a sacrifice of thanksgiving, but no words to materialize. Until one morning I was struggling with something heavy on my heart. I had spent the morning in tears praying about this subject. After cleaning in the church I was drawn to the altar to pray and again back home after getting ready for the rest of my day, I was drawn to my bedside where I dropped to my knees in tearful prayer. I was carrying a very heavy burden and every inch of my heart felt the pain. After praying, I returned to the bathroom to finish my hair. I was listening to my Spotify playlist and the song "Rejoice" by the Gettys came on. My ears perked up as I let the words sink into the depths of my soul.
Rejoice in the Lord now and always sing it again, we rejoice
Delight in the love he has shown us. Gratefully lift up your voice
His gentleness among us will join our hearts with praise
We gather in his goodness a family of grace
With each breath, He's given Christ the Lord
In these times we live in, we will praise the Lord
Throughout every season, I am sure
We have every reason to praise the Lord
My heart said, “I don’t want to rejoice right now. My heart is too heavy. I could not possibly trade this sorrow for praise.” I listened on.
Rejoice and be anxious for nothing praying for all that you need
Come with a song of thanksgiving lay your request at His feet
His peace will fall upon us to guard our hearts and minds
In Christ who reigns eternal, the Shepherd of our lives
Then it hit me: This is a sacrifice of Thanksgiving! Beautifully spoken by one of my favorite singers. The most difficult thing I could ask my heart to do at that moment was to be thankful, and yet, that is exactly what my heart needed. Offer thanksgiving to my Lord.
Rejoice in the Lord now and always tell of the good He has done
Worship the Lord to remember all of the joy yet to come
The hope that burns within us the dark cannot destroy
With praise that's never-ending
We say again rejoice
In that moment, I traded my heavy burden for thanksgiving and peace took the place of sorrow. Just a moment before I thought this was an impossible ask, but then it became the very thing that caused my heart to hope.
With each breath, he's given Christ the Lord
In these times we live in, we will praise the Lord
Throughout every season, I am sure
We have every reason to praise the Lord
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