A Chance for Rejoicing
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
We have an opportunity over the next few days. As we work and rest, feast or just eat the usual, we can rejoice in the Lord. God is working in each and every one of us no matter how many turkeys are set before us this week.
As you share turkeys and company with turkeys, work out your salvation as God works in you and look for ways that God is working in everyone else. Take the lead to let the Lord be your joy and your salvation and to share that with others around you. Just as grumbling can weigh down a room, joy and thanks can lift up a whole family. It might not show right away, but don’t give up! The Lord is working!
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