Praise despite tough circumstances shows great character and faith

This is the weekend to gear up for Thanksgiving, to write and check off the lists of everything necessary for the perfect holiday. Turkey. Check. Stuffing. Check. Pumpkin pie. Check. Fat-pants, couch, remote control. Check, check and check. Bring on the tryptophan.

For many this year, Thanksgiving will be overshadowed by the weight of possible unemployment, foreclosure and a lifetime of savings wiped out in a matter of days or, in some cases, hours. Being thankful is not going to rank high on the list of things to do during Thanksgiving week. Yet Proverbs 27:21 shares with us that thanksgiving, an attitude of praise, is one that is not conditional. A person who expresses the ability to offer praise despite circumstances is a person of great character and faith. The proverb reads, "The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise."

I'm not a metallurgist, so a crucible does not automatically register in mind. From my understanding, the crucible is the container that fine metals, in this case silver, is melted, purified and poured into a mold for reshaping. Understanding that, the writer of this proverb is drawing us to an understanding of how character is tested. He is pointing out that it's the depths of heat that men and women are subjected to that reveal and refine who they truly are.

In other words, as the heat from the fire reveals the impurities and refines the quality of precious metals, so do the manner and frequency by which someone offers up praise and thanksgiving reveal their personal impurities, refines the quality of their character and reveals if their faith is in gold or in God.

Thanksgiving and praise are easy to offer during sunny times, when your job is satisfying, when marriage and family feel like a blessing. It is during the flood that praise is hard -- times when no matter how hard you try you and spouse do nothing but argue. It is the dark nights of the soul that reveal character and faith.

Thanksgiving is more than a season, more than a day, more than words. Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart and spirit. Offering thanksgiving and praise is an action of faith in the Lord who overcomes all through all.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.