Picture this. An old-fashioned open-air Pentecostal tent meeting in the middle of a Davie field (before the development boom changed everything.) Some of my fondest childhood memories are intrinsically tied to a Hammond B-3 organ and shouts of praise with the occasional waft of cow manure from the edges of a humble pasture that had been consecrated for Reverend H. Richard Hall's revival. The tall and imposing figure in a black suit took the stage with a crooning voice and a booming message that would resound long after the tent emptied. He was known for his hard work, (often noticed behind the scenes with a broom in one hand and a hammer in the other) modest lifestyle and documented miracles that seemed to follow him into every town. This prophet would point a finger and utter God's message with a steely gaze, occasionally slicking back his disheveled Cherokee-straight black hair with a pocket comb. There will NEVER EVER be another H. Richard Hall.
But as Thanksgiving approaches and COVID-19 is still a reality, it may be a stretch to find a reason to be thankful. As I thought about this post, the Lord took me back to my childhood. H. Richard Hall's admonition harkens back to what really matters: The faithfulness of God. Approaching the audience, he opened with the song, "This is Why I'm Thankful," and you could hear a pin drop under the tent. This anointed man was plain, yet unapologetically sold out to his purpose. He had renounced any semblance of economic security as an itinerant preacher who lived by faith. The first verse speaks volumes, "You ask me what I've found that makes me feel this way-I found it at the mourner's bench when I began to pray." Brother Hall often added his own verses (because he could) but this God He knew so intimately didn't always keep trouble at bay; He would walk through the fire with you. The song goes on to describe a God of miracles and a simple gospel without a heavy sales pitch.
The pandemic has brought us to our knees, and although the most violent shaking has subsided and given way to tremors, the globe has felt hell's fury unleashed. Yet I am thankful for an anchor that held in spite of a raging storm and a God who remains faithful to me. Genuine thankfulness has nothing to do with the absence of trouble. It is a response to the knowledge that everything works together for good because we have a Father who swore that oath in blood. There are some tragedies that the human mind is unable to fathom and God is not impressed by our "rational approach." He listens when we are too distraught to form words and He responds to the depths of our hearts. If the book of Psalms is any indication of the Christian walk, most people would run the other direction because it describes loss, pain, regret and intense loneliness. Yet the same Bible depicts a covenant-keeping God who promises that the darkness will give way to merciful seasons of light.
Consider this: The autumn mosaic of colors is really just a bold display of splendor that precedes shedding and eventual death. The festivals are in full swing, the holiday window displays are up and the long-awaited aroma of pumpkin spice lattes lifts the spirit; fall reminders are everywhere. Yet this year may be different because of empty chairs at the Thanksgiving table and the despair that has made its unwelcome appearance at your doorstep. Your battle scars may be hidden underneath all the finery but God knows that you are desperate for a reprieve. So savor that sip and eat your fill when you find your place at the Thanksgiving table. Breathe in the crisp autumn air and admire the majestic work of His hand to find that He has been faithful. After the fire, the purest gold remains. The ports may be jammed with unloaded cargo and consumer shortages abound, but Heaven awaits. Rev. Hall always punctuated, "I'm thankful 'cause He saved me in that good old fashioned way."
Psalm 28:7 (VOICE)
The Eternal is the source of my strength and the shield that guards me. When I learn to rest and truly trust Him, He sends His help. This is why my heart is singing! I open my mouth to praise Him, and thankfulness rises as song.
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