In Everything, Give Thanks
A Lesson from Job on Thanksgiving + Exciting Updates
"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
I used to scoff when I would read or hear this scripture. It just seemed too idealistic and aspirational to be in a constant state of thanksgiving. I guess because, in my heart, my spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude was tied to my circumstances.
If I received good news, got an A on an exam, or signed a new client, of course, I could give thanks. But when things started falling apart, thanksgiving was the furthest thing from my lips. Instead of offering thanksgiving, the only thing I could offer were complaints. How could it even be possible to declare praise and thanksgiving when life isn’t going your way?
Our friend, Job, knows how to navigate these challenges all too well. After withstanding a season of immense suffering, losing literally everything, in his heartache, He still chose to give thanks.
“Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart.[c]The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:20-21 NIV).
Job is evidence that even in our disappointment and lament, we too can give thanks. Gratitude is a sanctifying reminder of our humanity compared to God’s deity. In lament, Job still acknowledges God’s divinity and sovereignty over his situation.
Gratitude is also a choice. It’s a choice to elevate thanksgiving and praise over our circumstances. This doesn’t mean that we are gaslighting ourselves or choosing to stuff our emotions but choosing to see God’s goodness in the midst.
When there isn’t enough money to cover the bills…
When the baby won’t sleep through the night…
When sickness and disease strike…
When the job stresses and stretches you…
When daily decisions drain and fatigue you…
When life threatens to steal your joy…
Like Job, may we fall to the ground in worship and praise God for all the things He gives and all the things He takes away.
In everything, may we give thanks.
An Update From Me
Happy Thanksgiving (to those who are celebrating)! I was so encouraged by the feedback from my post, This Is My Oil. If you haven’t read it, you can catch up here. As we prepare to close out this year and I start planning for the next, I wanted to share a quick, exciting update on what you can expect over the next few weeks, and I’ll give you a hint: podcast! 🎙 Click the play button to hear a quick update from me!
I’ll be sharing more about the podcast launch in our community chat in a couple of weeks, so make sure you download the app if you haven’t already.
What I’m Reading 📚
If you’re looking for some fun holiday reads, here’s what I plan on reading over the Thanksgiving holiday. 🎄📚 I’m always sharing my current reads over on Instagram and Goodreads. Make sure you follow along for more reading updates!
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ICYMI
30 Over 30 | A Limited Podcast Series | Pt 3
Welcome back to the last installment of the 30 Over 30 limited podcast series. If you’re just tuning in, I turned 30 back in October, and to celebrate, I’ve been sharing 30 lessons that I’ve learned over the last 30 years. You can check out parts 1 & 2 below.
Grasping Gratitude
A few posts back, I shared that I’ve always struggled with the present. Rather than relishing the present, I’ve always pressed for the future and its promises, because I felt as if the present had nothing to offer. So many prayers unanswered. So many promises unfulfilled.
This is something I’ve had to learn as well! Gratitude is a posture of the heart and we can always have something to be grateful for. Appreciate your words, my friend!