First of all, my heart goes out to you and to the hundreds of thousands of others who have gone through this terrible disaster (and others our nation has suffered in recent months). I’m sure every person who reads this would say the same.

Most of all, God knows what you are going through–and even when we don’t understand why things like this happen, we still know He cares and He wants to help. Jesus’ promise is still true: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). May you find your comfort and strength in Him as you face the future.

What can you be thankful for this Thanksgiving? First, you can be thankful you are still alive. When my son Franklin visited the Gulf Coast shortly after Hurricane Katrina to take aid to some of its victims, a reporter asked him why God let the storm happen. He replied something like this: “You know, I haven’t heard a single person down here asking that question. They are all thanking and praising God for delivering them.” May this be your attitude.

Then thank God that you have a future. What you have experienced is terrible–but God is still with you, and He wants to guide you and give you hope. We are never alone when we know Christ. Do you know Him? If not, open your heart to Him today, and make this the greatest Thanksgiving you have ever celebrated.