Dr. Ray Pritchard Christian Blog and Commentary

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!

Homer Simpson’s Thanksgiving Wisdom

  • Dr. Ray Pritchard
    Dr. Ray Pritchard is the president of Keep Believing Ministries, an Internet-based ministry serving Christians in 225 countries. He is the author of 29 books, including Stealth Attack, Fire and Rain,… More
  • Updated Nov 23, 2011

The Bible tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), but sometimes it’s not easy to do.

Last Sunday our pastor made a passing comment that seemed exactly right to me. “This may have been the worst year of your life. If so, give thanks that you have survived it.”

We all chuckled knowingly because sometimes survival itself is a victory worth celebrating.

That reminded me of Homer Simpson’s famous line whenever Bart would mutter dejectedly, “This is the worst day of my life.” Homer would put his arm about his son’s shoulder, and with fatherly compassion reply, “It’s the worst day of your life so far.”

I just smiled as I typed those words.
Very funny and very true.

You never know what the best or worst will turn out to be.

Things may be better or worse next year, and they probably will be.

If you have had a wonderful year filled with much joy, answered prayers, and victory after victory, give thanks to the Lord and take nothing for granted.

If you come to Thanksgiving having survived an awful year filled with sadness and setbacks, and if it truly seems like the worst year of your life, give thanks to God that you are still here. And smile if you can.

You never know what the next 12 months will bring.

You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free weekly email sermon.