Well, we made it to Thanksgiving 2020. It’s been a rough nine months, and for most of us, the holidays look a great deal different than they did last year. Some of us are sad about not being with the people we love today, and others are grieving the loss of a friend or family member. Knowing this, it can be difficult to experience strong feelings of gratitude. So what do we do? To help us navigate through this strange time, let’s turn our attention once more to David. One of the things about this young shepherd boy that made him perfect for the job of taking down Goliath was that he lived unencumbered. His life was simple, and he was used to sitting in the field with his flocks, communing with God, and protecting what had been entrusted to him. He didn’t need fancy armor, nor did he feel like he had to “be on top” in order to prove his worth. He was content with simplicity, because somehow he understood that what he had was more than enough. While he would ultimately become Israel’s king and enjoy great wealth, his life seems to echo the words later penned by the Apostle Paul — he was satisfied with little or with much because he knew the source of His strength. 

My friend, I know this has been a rough year, but I’m praying that you will find contentment in the presence of your Savior. As your life has been stripped of familiar comforts and rituals, the gift within just might be a purer and more childlike faith. Wherever you find yourself today, I encourage you to sit quietly with Jesus and invite Him to remind you afresh of the blessings He has faithfully given. While many things have changed around you, He hasn’t wavered, and He invites you to throw off any encumbrance and seek rest in His loving arms. Even if you’re down to nothing, He is up to something, so thank the Lord for what you see, and praise Him for the good things that are yet to be!