My Thanksgiving plans are different this year. My brother’s recent surgery and other family members’ schedules placed our usual gathering on pause until Christmas. We’ve adjusted to our new plan and we’re still counting our blessings.

I’ll prepare a meal for the few who will gather at my home. But during my devotional time recently, I encountered a different kind of thankful feast.

I’m amazed by God’s delights. They are closer than my next breath. Yet, I can easily miss them if I’m distracted by my next problem.

But not this time.

Feasts are meant to be enjoyed. And from a biblical perspective, some feasts are meant to be enjoyed when life is difficult. David penned these words about God’s provision as he hid from his adversaries:

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 NLT

In the presence of my enemies, fight or flight would be my options. But my victory comes as I partake of God’s feast — the promises and power He’s given in Christ. Because sometimes our adversary is not another person, it’s the enemy of our soul.

Fear, guilt, worry and shame are all a part of his arsenal. Thankfully, faith can create uncommon confidence. As I trust in what God has prepared – even in dangerous or disturbing times – I receive strength and courage to stand.

May we feast on God’s promises despite any opposition to His will.

Although, most feasts have a beginning and end, Proverbs 15:15 reminds us to continually feed on life:

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. (NLT)

We may not choose what each day brings, but we can choose how we’ll meet it. To be honest, some days my “meet and greet” skills take a while to rise by God’s grace. But when they do, the feast begins.

As I taste and see that the Lord is good, my troubles and me are transformed in the atmosphere of His grace.

May we continually feast on God’s grace and trust Him with our troubles.

Because feasts are also meant to satisfy. That may look different for each of us. On Thanksgiving, some people may not be satisfied until they scrape the last morsel of pie from their plate. Others may find satisfaction with a can of whatever was given from their local charity. Whatever our lot, the richest feast is available to us all.

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63:5 NLT

Unfulfilled dreams or unexpected sorrow can taint our taste for faith. And yet, the unfailing love of God in Christ cleanses our spiritual palate. Then we begin to see the best life has to offer comes in knowing the Giver of Life. We are called to His peace. We were made to experience His joy.

May we feast on God’s riches in Christ until satisfaction in Him overflows.

His treasured forgiveness, power and love last into eternity. I’m thankful for the life He gives. I’m also thankful for you my friend and your visit with me today. May you be encouraged and receive hope for the heart and joy to the soul.
Additional Scriptural Reflections:
Psalms 94:19
Philippians 4:18-20
1 Peter 1:3-4