Michael Evans: What if we're not feeling thankful?

Thanksgiving is upon us, and with it comes many mixed emotions. Houses will be filled with or vacant of loved ones, family and friends. There may be food, traditions and laughter. Or it could be this year is going to look different than years past due to the complexities of life. Regardless, behind it all is the looming expectation of the expression of thankfulness.

But what if there is not that overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy felt during this holiday season? What if the reality this year is one of personal feelings of grief or loss? What if the condition of this world is one which weighs heavily and is even seemingly crushing? Simply put, what if there is not much to say by way of thankfulness?

There are often depictions of idyllic Thanksgiving moments in movies and on television shows. People are gathered and may even share around their tables, one by one, all their many blessings. And of course, just before the meal is enjoyed, there is a prayer — a moment to express all that thanks to God.

What if the person responsible for praying that prayer was not feeling very thankful? In a moment where one supposedly has an audience with God, a time where he is listening, surely it would be inappropriate to lie and feign gratitude. Maybe, if given a heavenly telephone, there would be a desire to just be honest to God and share all the pent-up anxiety, worry and hurt. Would that be so wrong?

If God is who he says he is, apparently that would be fully appropriate and even expected.

The Bible is the place where God tells people what he is like, and in it there is a pretty shocking statement given. It is recorded that Jesus, God himself, said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This seemingly simple invitation reveals much about the heart of God toward those who are experiencing difficulty in life, and it has practical implications, even at the Thanksgiving table.

Instead of demanding a kind of façade of perfection or having to tidy oneself up before coming to him, God invites people to come just as they are, burdens and all. Surely, this indicates that God would care about people and want to hear from them in prayer, even if they were not feeling very thankful at Thanksgiving. God just wants people to be honest and authentic — even sincere about the struggles they are facing in life.

The real problem is a feeling of isolation when life’s difficulties strike. Grief and suffering can certainly lead to experiences of feeling very alone. They can make people wonder if anyone cares. With his invitation given in the Gospel of Matthew, God seems to want to help in those moments. He said he wants to give rest. There is something comforting about considering the all-knowing creator of the universe wanting to give a worn-out, tired person rest. It is encouraging to consider he would even notice, let alone want to do something to help.

Yet that is exactly what the Almighty’s invitation suggests.

In a world where God often falls into a caricature of being an uptight, king-like ruler who demands smiles at all times from people, nothing but optimism, and, of course, gratitude at Thanksgiving, there can be found a picture of a different God in the Bible. It is there that he reveals himself to be much more down-to-earth. He appears to recognize the tough punches this world can dish out, and he even suggests it is important to be forward about them.

The concept of rest is attractive to those who are anxious. Rest is among the first casualties in the war of worry. But how does a person “come” to a God who cannot be seen nor touched? This is where the vehicle of prayer is the answer. People can approach God by simply talking to him, airing out all the feelings, needs and desires they can muster. On the other side of that approach is a promise that may just be worth putting to the test … the gift of relief.

Perhaps this year’s Thanksgiving table is one that will be challenging. Maybe the Hallmark movie moment of giving a prayer of gratitude is too challenging and unrealistic to attempt in sincerity. And maybe that is OK. If the God of the Bible really does exist, he certainly values people just being honest. He even indicates he is willing to listen and is wanting to help.

And maybe that is something to be thankful for after all.

Michael Evans is a pastor at Riverside Community Church’s Pittsburgh Mills Campus.