GOD'S GOODNESS IS LIKE GRAVY

• What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? For most people, it’s one thing: Food. And lots of it! • Research suggests that the average American will eat 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving, which is over twice the daily recommended amount (and more than two large Domino’s pizzas combined).

• It would take nearly 500 minutes of running just to burn off those calories! Thanksgiving meals are all about overindulgence.

ILLUSTRATION: Tell a story about how your family keeps piling food on your plate even after you’re full. The key to this illustration is overindulgence.

Sit down at the table.

• Regardless of your favorite food at the table, one thing is unquestionable. It’s not a proper Thanksgiving without a feast.

• In today’s bible passage, we are going to look at an ancient song that describes something we are very familiar with this time of year— a feast.

• What are some of your favorite thanksgiving foods? [Make this interactive.]

• Some people love turkey.

• Some people love yams.

• Some people love green bean casserole.

• I feel as though everyone loves gravy though, right? It’s not necessary at all, but it makes the food so much better. It’s just an extra added touch that makes the meal so much more indulgent.

• Well, God’s goodness is a lot like gravy.

• The Psalms are a collection of ancient, Jewish poems and songs that were designed to help you through a wide spectrum of emotion. 

• Think of them like a really old Spotify playlist. • The Hebrew title for this book was tehilīm, which directly translates to “praises.”

• This means that these songs went a lot further than catchy beats and guitar solos. There is a point to each and every stanza.

• That point is to discover praise despite our circumstances.

• Psalms, the largest book in the Bible, is packed full of emotional prayers, songs, and poems that speak to what it means to be human. 

• The Psalms are uncensored and unapologetic in their descriptions. Real-life struggles can be found within those 30,147 words.

• There are struggles of doubt, love, fear, hatred, agony, joy, vengeance, depression, celebration, anxiety, heartbreak, and hope.

• Some of these songs are written from rock bottom, like some of those famous breakups songs by Taylor Swift or Adele.

• However, the rock-bottom writers almost always lie flat on their backs, looking up toward heaven.

• Whether the writings are angry, happy, sad, depressing, anxious, or even tragic, they almost always end with praise and thanksgiving to God.

• When studying any psalm, I encourage you to read faithfully, pray emotionally, discuss openly, and live thankfully.

• Psalm 23 is actually one of the most recited passages in the entire Bible. Where do people hear it the most?

• It’s traditionally read at funerals.

• I know, that’s kind of a downer, right?

• Why would we choose to read such a happy sounding Scripture at funerals?

• Because it’s comforting!

• There are few things more comforting than a plentiful meal surrounded by people you love.

• These ancient words represent the feeling of home or the comfort of nostalgia. • This is the feeling of holidays.

• This is the feeling of a big slice of pecan pie with whipped cream.

• However unsettling or upsetting your life may seem at times, you can always find comfort in God’s presence

Just like we find comfort in food and family, David reveals another (much wiser) route for comfort — God.

What does this passage say about the nature of God? Let’s take it apart using his metaphor of the feast with an overflowing cup

• David, the author of this Psalm, is painting a picture of God as a host of an over-the-top feast.

• This is like five-star dining here. Imagine the white table cloth, fancy dinner wear, and waiters that bring the parmesan cheese right to your table.

• (Okay, I know those restaurants aren’t necessarily fancy, but I think they’re awesome.) They just keep cascading cheese onto your plate until you ask them to stop — that’s pretty extravagant.

• God is a good host.

• The food won’t stop coming. Your cup will never be empty. The table is surrounded by great conversation and laughter. And you’re invited to stay the whole night.

• As David mentions that his “cup overflows,” he attaches that metaphor to God’s love and goodness.

• Here is what David is saying with this — God’s goodness will overflow in your life.

• This overflowing language represents an over-abundance—too much to handle.

• Just like your grandmother serving Thanksgiving dinner, God dishes His love and goodness out for you helping after helping.

• Just when you think it’s about to run out, He shows up with some dessert.

• God’s love for you knows no end.

• God’s goodness can flow all over your life and circumstances.

• Just like gravy on top of boring potatoes, God takes us from average to awesome.

• God does extraordinary things under ordinary circumstances.

• Landing: Whatever you are going through right now, God has an overflowing abundance of love and goodness to keep you going.

• It’ll help get you through.

• Just like calories fuel your body, God’s love fuels your spirit.

• There will always be more than enough to fuel you and help you move further faster.

• Just when you feel it’s too much, there will be more. There is always more.

TALK IT OUT Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

What’s your favorite food to eat at Thanksgiving dinner?

Has anyone ever done something really kind for you that went above and beyond what you expected? Explain.

How does David explain God to be like a good dinner host?

How can accepting God’s never-ending servings of goodness and love help you through challenging times?

How can you thank God for His overflowing love and goodness this week?

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

John 3:16-17

Luke 7:36-50

Ephesians 2:1-10

Titus 2:11-14

Psalm 105:1-3

Hebrews 4:14-16

James 1:2-4

Do the following with each passage:

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.