“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CSB

I love the week of Thanksgiving. I think there is something so special about taking a moment to stop and be reminded of the blessings that surround us. I recently spent the day picking up groceries and then prepping food for something I was going to cook, and I was reminded how many small little things like that are all around me, and I don’t even realize the blessings that is right in front of me. When I choose to be thankful for the things around me, I am filled with a sense of joy, because I know that there is so much to be joyful for.

It’s also important to understand, that even if I have nothing, I can remain thankful and hold onto joy in every season.

The holiday season is not always the easiest and many of us are walking through things that not everyone knows about, especially for those heading into this week.

What I hope to do today, is remind you that in every season, God has you. Good or bad, you are still a loved child of God.

When you remind yourself that you are a child of God, you can look around and give a joyful thanksgiving in every season.

The verse above comes from the new testament, during a time where there was true persecution for those following the way of Christ. Despite this hardship, Paul reminds followers of Jesus to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Meditate on that idea, these people were truly in a difficult place, and yet they are called to be joyful in all things and give thanks for it!

I think about the times in my life where I struggle, and I choose to retreat from Christ, when the best thing I can do, is rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

When you shift your mindset to one of choosing joy and choosing to be thankful for what you do have, it changes you. It changes the way you look at your life and you begin to step into contentment more that the desire for a different life.
I started doing this in my pocket journal every month. I jot down a monthly recap of what happened and what I want to remember, and then I choose to write down things that I am currently enjoying. I’ve done this for a couple of years now, and I love going back at the end of the year and reminding myself of what I loved and what brought me so much joy.

It doesn’t take much to choose to enjoy the life God has blessed you with.

Make your daily mantra to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all things.

I needed to shift my thinking to this over the past year and a half, since being in a difficult season. I found myself surrounded in a place where I could not be the person God made me to be, and was made to feel small because of not wanting to open a door for pride. I knew that I cared for the people in my ministry, so I chose to shepherd well and then when the time came, I needed to move on.

Choosing to have joy in the quiet moments with those who do love me, to pray for strength to make it through each week, and be thankful for the blessings that God over and over again reveals; it changed everything.

I still cling to this mindset in this season of unknowns for my ministry journey, and it allows me to be a light in all places and love those that need it.

Now, I get to embrace time with people who love me and use their words to encourage me and not belittle me, to be in a church community that cares about being a light to the world around them, and to trust that in all things, God has me.

I love Thanksgiving.

I am so filled with thankfulness and joy of what is all around me. From being able to pick up groceries, to listen to sweet Violet’s giggles running around outside, to talk with dear Danielle about what she’s passionate over, and to live a life filled with love and joy.

I never understood the stoic man persona, because there is so much to be joyful and smile over in my life.

Not every season is easy, but every season is easy to give a joyful thanksgiving.

Before this coming Thursday, I want you to write down a list of what is bringing you joy and what you are thankful for, not for anyone else, but you. So that you can embrace a joyful thanksgiving and live as a child of the God who loves you.

-Your pastor and friend, Joshua.

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About the Author: Joshua Thomas is a husband, father, and pastor doing what he can to love others the way Jesus did. You can find him reading a good book, sipping warm tea, taking pictures, or dreaming. He may not have it all figured out, but the journey is the best part. You can find him on the social media he uses Tik Tok, Bluesky and Instagram