The Joy of Thanksgiving

Intro

Turkey Helpline

A Moment of Thanksgiving

Moments of Thanksgiving

Understanding the depth of gratitude.

Gratitude must be found in moments, not material possessions.

Walk through the week of Thanksgiving

After the table is cleared, how do I process gratitude?

Setup

Layout

Finding joy in disappointment.

Finding joy in worry and fear.

Finding joy in all .

Main Text

There is a journey of gratitude.

With Jesus, perceived negative realities become positive conclusions.

Joy can be found in desperation.

The most valuable lesson we could learn about desperation is to not despise it.

James 1:2 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Mark 5:21–23 NLT

Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”

Asking Jesus for help was not easy for Jairus.

Mark 5:24 NLT

Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him.

The love for his family led him to desperation, which led him to Jesus.

No one ever comes to Christ until the point of desperation has been reached.

God’s Way Not Ours, 71

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Mark 5:22 NLT

Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet,

Desperation can often be the vehicle the Holy Spirit uses for revelation.

The ground is level at the feet of Jesus.

Joy can be found in disappointment.

The most valuable lesson we could learn about disappointment is to not despise it.

Mark 5:35 NLT

While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

Jairus went from hope to tragedy in a moment.

Disappointment can give us blinders.

2794 Disappointment is often the salt of life.

Theodore Parker

Mark 5:36 NLT

But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

When we are afraid that’s when our faith takes center stage.

When everything seems to be falling apart, all we can do is cling to the promises of God.

Mark 5:37–39 NLT

Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

Sorrow exists until Jesus speaks.

Even in chaos, Jesus gives peace which surpasses all understanding.

It is our job to give Jesus space to speak.

Hebrews 2:14–15 NLT

Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

Remembering the power of Jesus gives us the power to walk through disappointment.

Joy can be found in doubt.

The most valuable lesson we could learn about doubt is to not despise it.

Mark 5:40–41 NLT

The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!”

Unbelief laughs at God’s word, but faith grips it as doubt creeps in.

Doubt sees the obstacles, faith sees the way.

Mark 5:42 NLT

And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.

Desperation, disappointment, and doubt can deny us of joy, or it can direct us to joy.

Jesus’ victory —>Our Victory—>Unwavering Joy.

Closing

With Jesus, we win.

With Jesus, you win.

With Jesus, ________ wins.