A Season to Be Thankful
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 NKJV
As we enter this holiday season, it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness and preparation. For some, it’s a time spent with family and friends. Or, maybe you’re the type of person that thrives in the hustle and bustle and loves to do everything when it comes to decorating or hosting! For others, it can be a time when grief strikes the hardest, or when anxieties and stress seem to take over. Whatever this season looks like for you, we’d like to challenge you to take some personal time to reflect on God’s blessings in your life and His ultimate sacrifice.
If you’re having a hard time coming up with things to be thankful for, that’s okay! We all go through difficult seasons in life; you are not alone. Start small - do you have a warm place to lie your head at night? Praise God! Do you have a job that pays the bills? Thank you, Jesus! Even the most mundane things are still blessings.
Everyone is familiar with the traditional pilgrim Thanksgiving, but did you know the first time Thanksgiving was officially declared as a national holiday in the United States was during the Civil War? Many families were grieving a pre-war world and praying their loved ones would come home safely, yet the president called for a day of unity and thankfulness while still acknowledging the sacrifices being made. The same concept can be applied to our daily lives - though we struggle, God is still good.
No matter what this season brings up for you, you have a Heavenly Father who loves you more than you could imagine - all blessings come from Him. Give thanks to all He has done and will do for you; His plan for your life is full of prosperity and hope (Jer. 29:11).